Anyone else loose interest in Valentine's Day?

@jopa1957: Valentines Day… sometimes called Hallmark Day is difficult for many of us who are lonely.
I make an effort to recall the days of being a single Mom and busy making cupcakes for my children to take for their school class party= 32 classmates x my 2 kids = a night of baking/frosting 66 cupcakes. Then successfully transporting all to school the next morning… followed by a regular day at work.
I figure we can celebrate all our past “happier” Valentine’s Days today with a well deserved Hershey treat! We deserve it! Chocolate can fill that empty place where we once enjoyed our loved ones.
Have a Happy Hershey Day!

My wife always called this “the Hallmark holiday”. As a result we ignored it. I’m happy for that now!

Strength, Courage, & Peace

Yes, it was a hard day. So... I baked a Valentine's cake and watched a romantic movie.
I used to wallow in self-pity when my husband stopped with romance, no cards, no flowers, no candy, etc.
My only affection/touch comes from petting our dog; it'll have to do.
I try hard to remember the good times, and surrender to our new normal.
Hugs to you, and happy belated Valentine's Day. 💔❤️‍🩹

I was doing ok - as we never made a big deal about Valentines Day.....then I went to Publix to pick up some fresh fruit, and it was full of men buying flowers, cards, candy, balloons, wine .....and I felt a deep, deep longing to just hear my sweet, funny, strong hubby say ANYTHING affectionate or special....or even a knowing smile.....or a cute wink....but, as always, I stuffed those desires and feelings on top of the other "put away" feelings so as not to have tears in a public place....once again the unwanted emotional game of feelings sneaking up when least expected....and I survived another round. How long will my heart hold on until the emotions become an unstoppable torrential flood?
Grateful to be able to write these words...hugs to all.

My expectations were realistic this Valentine"s day. I put out a little sign that said Happy Valentine's Day on the kitchen table where my husband sits to eat. He has never been one to buy flowers, cards, chocolates for Valentine's Day. Rather he showed his feelings with physical affection and not just on Valentine's Day. To me that is more meaningful. I understand the loneliness. He's here but he's not.

@judimahoney I hear you. But, it isn’t very disappointing to me, as I know my husband can no longer do those little surprises for my Valentines Day. I just cherish that he did so, for years. So glad for that !

Thank you for mentioning John Prine! I had never heard of him before so I looked him up. He's very talented! I thought I knew all the country western singers; Merle Haggard, Johnny Cash, Buck Owens, Hank Williams etc. But I missed Mr. Prine! My husband died in 2024. He loved country music and would have like John Prine's music, I'm sure. I spent Valentine's Day remembering all the good times we had together over the last 30 years and being thankful for them. I am lonely without my husband but I know he's up in Heaven and we will be together again eventually in God's time. Until then, I'll be listening to John Prine!
PML

My husband too, likes John Prine. One of our first dates was to an outdoor John Prine concert where he bought me a long sleeved concert T-shirt because I was cold. I still have that T-shirt 45 years later. Because I know he likes his music, I have John Prine CDs at our breakfast table that I play most mornings while he is eating breakfast. My favorite for so many reasons is "JOHN PRINE, FOR BETTER, OR WORSE with Iris DeMent. Some are funny, some are sad but all reflect on life in a marriage.

Valentine Day. I went back and forth. Do something? Do nothing? He wouldn’t know it was Valentines Day unless I or someone on the news mentioned it. In the end, I decided to do something that I would enjoy and of course include him in the activity. He had a doctor appointment on Friday the 13th, so I told him we would go to a nicer restaurant after his appointment to celebrate Valentine’s Day a little early as well as my birthday (it’s non the 17th.) He was happy at the prospect and went along with the plan and we enjoyed our meal at a nice restaurant that I had been wanting to try. On Valentine’s Day I gave him a card and he thanked me and gave me a hug. It never crossed his mind to get a card for me, or even to think that he could…I just don’t think that part of his mind (where thoughtful less and empathy lives) is working anymore. The situation is sad, but I don’t think that I can expect anything different. So we are together all the time, but it’s still lonely. He’s here but not here. I’m alone in the same room with him more often than not. I did get some enjoyment from the outing so I am calling it a win!
Blessings and prayers for your journey.

@IndianaScott
My husband said the same, and I was fine with that. One year he ordered roses to be delivered to my office (to take advantage of a credit card “deal” ;-)) and they never arrived. My assistant surmised that they were delivered to a young lady student residing in Smyth Hall whereas I worked in Smith Hall. It made for a good laugh all round. Memories last, roses don’t, especially when I have to keep them watered!