#gayvalentines

[jaypturnerbhm]

5-Step Guide to Surviving Valentine’s Day

Jay P. Turner,  originally published on gayswithkids.com

Holidays can be a time of great joy and connection for most people, but if you’re single you may be dreading Valentine’s Day.  Your friends are celebrating and posting photos of their amorous adventures.  But you anticipate the holiday will be filled with dread and self-loathing.

What are you to do? How do you survive?  Here's a five-step guide to not just surviving Valentine's Day but actually enjoying it.

1). Don’t punish yourself for being single! 

Don’t make matters worse for yourself. Don’t engage in negative self-talk, and don’t get in your head. Why do we torment ourselves with negatives thoughts like, “I’m not good enough?”  Or maybe you're the kind of person who replays memories of broken romances over and over again in your head.

This is not helpful, but it does perpetuate negative thoughts and feelings that certainly are not going to make us feel better.  

Stop the blame game. 

Don’t dwell on the past and don’t feed feelings of resentment. 

2).  Be prepared. 

Don’t just ignore that February 14 is coming. If you come home that night to an empty house with no plan, you’re going to wallow. Yes, you probably don’t want to be out in a crowded restaurant or sitting in a movie theater full of adoring couples, but you should plan ahead to make sure you have everything you need to make your night comfortable and special.

Hit the grocery store a couple of days before the 14th.  You shouldn’t be caught having to run to the store for toilet paper when it’s going to be filled with folks buying cards and flowers.  Make sure you have all of the ingredients to make your favorite meal at home. Have some great movies lined up to watch. Have a bottle of your favorite wine or a 6-pack of beer in the fridge.  

Be ready to answer the dreaded question, “what are you doing for Valentine’s Day?” Someone is bound to ask, and you should have an answer that you feel good about.  

If it would make you feel better, make plans with a dependable single friend.  No, not that friend who is going to ditch you at potentially the last minute.  That would do nothing but heap on feelings of loneliness and abandonment.   Also don’t plan to spend the evening with a friend who wallows in their own emotional funk.  Two Debbie Downers drowing their sorrows in Pinot is a recipe for a terrible evening.

Invite a good, solid friend to come over for dinner, listen to records, go to the gym with you, or whatever makes you feel good.  This night gets to be about you.  So, if you’re going to spend it with a friend, make sure that friend is supportive and positive.

3). Treat yourself!

Plan on a long soak in the tub. Buy a new candle or a new outfit. Maybe you love fresh flowers - there’s not rule that says you can’t send yourself flowers on Valentine’s Day! And to make them even more special, have the florist include a note that says, “You are SO worth it!” to reinforce that you are worthy of love and belonging.

4).  Celebrate love.  

There are probably many loving relationships in your life. Your friends have your back. Your family can be there in times of need.  

On holidays I send out a whole mess of texts. I want my friends to know I’m thinking of them. 

5). Practice gratitude. 

This is the real key. Practicing gratitude is the antidote for feelings of rejection and unworthiness. Research has proven that practicing gratitude changes the chemistry of our brain. Practicing gratitude literally rewires us to experience more positive emotions. Think about all that you have to be thankful for. It may even help to start a list of everything you have to be thankful for. When I consider all of the good relationships in my life, it certainly changes my perspective. 

Will Valentine’s Day still be hard? Maybe. But by engaging in these five steps, you’ll be much closer to experiencing a Valentine’s Day that will make you feel the love and care you deserve. 

[palaeoiris]

💌If you're one of our Volgaynoes backers who received their Plumicorn greeting cards last year, have you used them yet? They're perfect for valentine gifting, either to your crush, loved one, friends, family member, or platonic partners! We would love to hear what you used them for. Feel free to let us know in the comments or in story.

🌈❤️ Love is in the air and in the lava! ❤️🌋

From enchanting enamel pins to vibrant stickers and heartwarming greeting card sets, there's something for everyone to share the love this Valentine's season. Whether you're a lava aficionado or simply a fan of spreading positivity, our Volgaynoes collection is here to make your heart erupt with joy!

💖 But wait, there's more! Enjoy free shipping until February 14th for orders over £35, because spreading love should never come with extra costs. Don't miss out on this sweet deal and let your love flow freely!

💝 Hurry, our Volgaynoes Leftover Sale ends on February 29th or when stock runs out. So grab your favorites while you can and join us in creating a world filled with love, acceptance, and fiery passion. You can stock up on these cards and have them ready for the next year, and as they're blank inside don't feel restrained by just the Valentine's Day.

>>> palaeoiris.etsy.com

Happy Valentine's Day from all of us at Volgaynoes! 🔥

[changoblanco]

This last one is another Twofer , one is a little more tame than the other. Happy Valentine’s Gay, follow the # #myqueervalentines to see all of the ones from years past. #valentine #🌈❤️ Books available #linkinbio #gayvalentine #gaylove #instagay #sogay #gaygifts #valentinesday #lgbtlove #valentinecards #gaylove #gay #queer #queetart #Valentinesdaygift #gayart #loveislove #inuendo #iykwim #sogay #queerart #valentinesgay #puns #gayboys #homo #filth #myqueervalentines #buymybook #🌈🐊 https://www.instagram.com/p/CopdnOkrYlh/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[artissolastseason]

Piggy piggy piggy *New card 5x7” folded card on black linen cardstock 3 layers shades pink (magenta, light pink, pale pink) and metallic pink Piggy cut out letters. [Blank inside] Coming to the Etsy store soon (link in bio) Or pick up this weekend in NYC at @dandyqueerart1 ‘s #PinkParty @boxers_hk 2.11.23 #greetingcards #piggy #gaycards #lgbtqcards #queerartist #homoeroticpopart #seasonsbreedings #cards4queers #nyc #gayvalentine #layeredpapercards #graphicdesign #handmade #supportqueerartists #pride #pig #pigplay #nastypig #gay #nycgay #instagay #pink #pinkparty (at New York, New York) https://www.instagram.com/p/CoVHn0rOQOv/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[benkaadee]

Enjoy your Valentine's day!

😘💕🌹

#gayvalentines #hairymale #hairychests #malemuscle #male #maleonlyfans #maturemale #furry #musclebody #MuscleMan #bodybuilder

[skibums]

HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY⁣ ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️⁣ ⁣ Roses are red,⁣ Glaciers are blue,⁣ We’re not very good poets, ⁣ And half of @skibums members are single! 🤣⁣ ⁣ ⁣ ⁣Pic: @coupleofmen #valentinesday #valentinesday2019 #gayvalentines #skibums #ski #skiing #snowboard #snowboarding #lgbt #lgbtq #lgbtq🌈 #gayskiing #gaysnowboarding #gayskiers #gayskiweek #lesbian #bisexual #transgender #backcountryskiing #skiutah #skicolorado #skicanada #apresski #apres #skibum #goingskiing ⁣ https://www.instagram.com/p/Bt3im9IHham/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=8mi2nwk5mivb

[uglyduckbooks]

Let's get fat together 🍕🍫. I know it feels like we JUST did Christmas but we've got new Valentine's Day card designs up on thortful pop over and have a look! https://www.thortful.com/creator/uglyduckbooks . . . . . #LGBTQ #valentinesday2019 #samesex #samesexcouple #gay #lesbiancouple #mrsandmrs #lgbtqfriendly #lgbtqcommunity #gayvalentines #samesexvalentines #valentinesdaycard #valentines2019 #letsgetfattogether #comfysofa #loveislove #love #squishysofa #bemine #bemyvalentine #lgbtq🌈 #lgbtcommunity #samesexparents #funnycard #funnyvalentinescard #loveyou #uglyduckbooks https://www.instagram.com/p/BstQVZDBt-J/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=xt7npfvzqm96

[alfamarama]

@alfamatama wishes everyone a Hapoy lValentine's Day! #valentines #diadisnsmorados #gayvalentines #lesbianvalentines #illustration #logo #branding #couple #casal #namorasos https://www.instagram.com/p/CLRFQtgMmj-/?igshid=1ov9adv0nu58b

[quetzalboutique]

Posted @withregram • @lamonarcabakery 🚨 Double Sweet Giveaway🚨 As part of celebration of our #Quince birthday,🥳 We love to thank our followers with a series of special giveaways with our partners who have support us over the years.🧡 Today special collaboration giveaway 🎁 is with our friend @quetzalboutique for a special sweet giveaway! Win a their cute artisan ring & our Cinnamon #Lover #Giftset! ☕️💖💍  GIVEAWAY RULES : 🧡 LIKE this post. 🧡Must Follow  @lamonarcabakery & @quetzalboutique 🧡TAG your a friend 🧡 Tell us your favorite artist and drop a 🌻 Swipe ⬅️ to see the rest of the prize!! Winner will be announce TUES 5 pm #valentinegifts #valentine #chicano #chicana #chicanx #polvorones #gaybusiness #gayowned #gayvalentines #loveislove #latinxspaces #latinx #shoplaatinx #dtla #sandiego #pasadena #burbank #elvalle #sanfernando #culvercity #santamonica #oceanside #sangabrielvalley #sgv #elmonte #monteros (at East Los Angeles, California) https://www.instagram.com/p/CLDgYsZANqY/?igshid=1r69hkq7lekrr

[prometheusloafs]

Over it today. #gays #valentines #gayvalentines #valentinesportraits #gayportraits

[mermanthommy]

❤️🌹🍫 What do you want most on your Valentines Day??? 🍬💋🧜🏻‍♂️ - Oh,... BTW,... Happy Valentine’s Day!!! - I hope that you enjoy the day regardless of being single or taken!!! - Let’s spread love, happiness and above all,... a ton of sweets!!! - @mermanthommy Royal Betta Whimsy by: @mertailor (Get 10% off your non silicone orders with my Discount: THOMMY10 at www.TheMertailor.com) Photos by: @digitalfluke Shot on: @canonusa Edited with: @affinitybyserif - #mertailor #mymertailor #ad #happyvalentineday #happyvalentinesday❤️ #happyvalentine #happyvalentines #happyvalentinesday #happyvalentinesday2021 #valentines #valentinesday #romanticsong #mermanmermeb #mermaid #mermaids #gayvalentine #gaytwunk #twunk #gaycosplay #rosepetals #boxofchocolates #gaycali #gaycalifornia #gayusa #whimsytail #mermaidtail #mermaidtails #mermaidsarereal #bathtubphotoshoot #spreadlove❤️ (at California) https://www.instagram.com/p/CZ9xJc1pw5q/?utm_medium=tumblr

[quentinkum]

Episode #2021-05, Raining day / Happy Valentine's Day

[kevoreally]

Happy Valentimes! 💕❤️💕 If you're going to be at #Katsucon this weekend, you can come pick up some of these queer Valentine's for free at the LGBT HQ booth! Stop by and check out @kidriotcomics and @lgbthq.info 😁👍 #katsucon2019 #valentines #gayvalentines #lgbtvalentines https://www.instagram.com/p/Bt4x8Zllatn/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1rv37u726py5k

[designnurd]

Happy VD, fags! #commission’d by @sirooleansf87 for @bigdog_adventures 💞 #bluelantern #dccomics #robin #flash #theflash #gayheros #woof #gayvalentines #queervalentine (at San Francisco, California) https://www.instagram.com/p/Bt4oex7BER1/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1uytamyot4fsa

[robsonoliveiramakeup]

Happy Valentine’s Day!!! #valentinesday #happyvalentinesday #gayvalentines #gay #gaycouple #happy (at Toronto, Ontario) https://www.instagram.com/p/Bt3uLYJBO0Q/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=19169sl3i3py7

[sparkandpen]

Hello! I’m currently taking FIVE Valentines Commissions, the perfect gift for the person you’re trying to impress! Your SO! Your BFF! Yourself! Commissions will be 20$ plus 5$ for each added pet! I’m only taking five right now to ensure I finish by the 13th so DM me quick if you’re into this! Can’t wait to hear from you:) • • • #valentines #commission #couples #gifts #vdaygift #valentinesgift #artsale #gayvalentines #galentines #womeninillustration #illo #sale #supportartists #coupleart #love #loveislove #customgift #personalizedgift #vday #igart ##vdaycommissions #drawme #illdrawyou #draw #art #customart https://www.instagram.com/p/Btd3mDCBUBm/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1c91ahx3nhwr6