Happy Valentine's Day. Do Love!
Another holiday for gift giving. Is it an obligation or what you need or want to do to feel loved or wanted?
Love is a verb. It’s an action word.
My mom is gorgeous, and I have seen her give people gifts without stopping. It pays enormous dividends in her old age. She receives visitation almost every weekend from neighbors, relatives, friends, and strangers.
Gift-giving can be beneficial if it's done with love and responsibility.
Valentine's Day is here, and many people struggle with what to give or receive. Did you get your perfect gift or make a reservation for a special dinner?
My friend, Sunni, doesn't have a date this Valentine's Day. She lost her partner a year ago, and her daughter lives five hours away from her.
What about you? Are you living alone and have no close relatives to celebarte lovers' Day?
Loneliness is real during holiday time for many people in the US. It's more prevalent among senior citizens, disabled, and older immigrant populations.
Sunni is not alone.
My conversation with her last Sunday made us discuss what to do and not to do to decrease loneliness. She brought up the topics of obligation and reciprocity in gift-giving.
Can commitment and reciprocity in our relationship help us avoid loneliness?
Sunni reminded me, "Your daughter lives nearby, and Art is in the house. You don't understand my mindset." She vented her feelings and wished to be like others.
Never compare your inside with others’ outside. Even Ranna who brought down the house during half-time Super bowl have problem too.
Do you feel lonely sometimes? Join the conversation below.
Sunni is alone. We all feel or experience loneliness as we age and our role in life changes or improves.
Without self-awareness during holiday times, people can do more harm to themselves than good. Yes, holiday time can be a lonely time for many people.
The fear of loneliness can make some people go into a bad relationship, give people all their hard-earned money, or waste their time and energy trying to fix toxic friends or relatives. Be wise.
The good news is that during this time, people can learn more about themselves and relearn their habits and family values as they live longer and longer.
Also, the habit of buying friendships because of loneliness can be unlearned by being honest with oneself about how we lived before 2023.
For many years, I've reminded myself that I cannot force people to be with me, but I can have an open mind and make more effort to be with healthy people and groups.
What you need to know
Do you continue to help ungrateful people because you need their time? Yes or No!
But first, focus on yourself and your needs and create a way to make positive connections.
Second, help people who need help, assist the ungrateful individuals who need help, and join social groups.
Be careful buying expensive gifts for people because you want their friendship or an intimate relationship. It rarely works.
Never put on a show as a crisis manager to recuse every Tom and Tina, or you'll become bitter and resentful when they ignore you.
Work on yourself. Our sense of self matters more when we experience loneliness.
Remember.
Loneliness is real; you can manage it if you plan and be honest with yourself.
Join an online community, volunteer, travel, and take a new career or dating partner.
Help yourself grow.