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Why Valentine’s Day Can Be the Loneliest Day for Women in Relationships

Sad woman with her emotionally unavailable boyfriend

There's this persistent belief that one can't feel lonely -- or emotionally alone -- while in a relationship.

This couldn't be further from the truth.

If you've been in this unfortunate situation, you can probably vouch that being lonely while partnered is even worse than being single.

Imagine feeling like your partner is more of a roommate than a lover. 

Picture a significant other who seems to express interest in everything and everyone -- friends, hobbies, work -- but you. 

He talks to you while using his phone or watching TV, hardly ever making eye contact. It feels cold, demoralizing. Communication between you both is essentially in the cellar.

And things are not guaranteed to be much better on special occasions like Valentine's Day. Sure, you might share moments of joy and affection here and there, but you know deep down that they're fleeting. 

Flowers don’t fix emotional neglect. Chocolates don't magically repair trust issues. The next day, all the drama -- bickering, finger pointing, ignoring, doubting, gaslighting -- return with full force.

If emotional security is something you value, why subject yourself to a relationship devoid of it?

Wishing that it'll get better -- especially after you've sought out counseling or attempted other measures at rekindling your bond, but he still fails to change -- is usually an exercise in futility.

There comes a moment where you have to accept that your relationship has run its course and it's time to move on with your life. The fact that you share kids or a home, for instance, shouldn't impede that.

Everyone deserves a chance at love. Everyone deserves to have their emotional investment reciprocated. No person should have to carry the full weight of said relationship on their shoulders alone. 

In short, it’s better to spend Valentine’s Day single than hoping the man next to you would show up emotionally.

Whether you're single, married, or in a relationship, How to Read People wishes you the happiest of Valentine's Days! Remember, it's a day to celebrate all kinds of love, including that for yourself. 
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