Abstract

Valentine’s Day is globally recognized as a celebration of romantic love. While it is often associated with joy and intimacy among couples, it may also evoke feelings of loneliness, social comparison, and emotional distress for single individuals. This study examines how relationship status influences emotional well-being during Valentine’s Day using psychological, social, and cultural perspectives. A cross-sectional quantitative design was employed with 240 participants categorized by relationship status. Statistical analyses including mean, standard deviation, independent samples t-test, Pearson correlation, multiple regression, and one-way ANOVA were conducted. Results indicate that individuals in romantic relationships report significantly higher emotional well-being compared to single individuals. However, social support, reduced social comparison, and mindfulness significantly mediate these effects. Findings suggest that emotional well-being during Valentine’s Day is multifactorial and not solely determined by romantic involvement. Practical implications emphasize promoting inclusive celebrations and psychological resilience strategies.

Keywords: Valentine’s Day, emotional well-being, relationship status, social comparison, mental health

1.Introduction

Valentine’s Day, celebrated on February 14, has evolved into a global cultural phenomenon emphasizing romantic love. The day encourages expressions of affection through gifts, gestures, and social interaction. However, societal emphasis on romantic partnerships creates divergent emotional experiences based on relationship status (Levine & Heller, 2010).

Emotional well-being refers to the capacity to manage emotions effectively, maintain meaningful relationships, and experience life satisfaction (Ryff, 1989). Cultural celebrations such as Valentine’s Day can heighten emotional responses due to social expectations and media portrayals. Couples may experience intimacy enhancement, while single individuals may encounter loneliness or perceived exclusion (Tomasik et al., 2020). Understanding these dynamics is essential for fostering inclusive emotional health practices.

2.Literature Review

2.1Attachment Theory and Romantic Relationships

Attachment theory posits that early bonding patterns influence adult romantic experiences (Bowlby, 1982). Secure attachment is associated with positive relationship experiences, whereas anxious or avoidant attachment styles may heighten insecurity during emotionally charged events like Valentine’s Day (Feeney & Noller, 1996).

2.2 Social Comparison Theory

Festinger’s (1954) social comparison theory explains how individuals evaluate themselves relative to others. Social media intensifies exposure to idealized romantic portrayals, potentially increasing dissatisfaction or distress, especially among single individuals (Chou & Edge, 2012).

2.3.Emotional Outcomes of Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day can produce both positive and negative emotional outcomes. Positive experiences include relationship affirmation and gratitude (Gul & Denton, 2018). Negative outcomes may involve loneliness, financial stress, or unmet expectations (Dion & Dion, 2004).

2.4. Valentine’s Day provides a natural point for reflection

Valentine’s Day provides a natural point for reflection on love, relationships, and emotional well-being. Beyond its commercial and romantic symbolism, the day serves as a cultural mirror through which individuals evaluate their personal connections, self-worth, and social belonging.

For couples, it can prompt reflection on relationship quality, communication patterns, appreciation, and shared meaning. It becomes an opportunity to ask: Are we nurturing our connection beyond symbolic gestures? Such reflection may strengthen intimacy and emotional awareness.

For single individuals, Valentine’s Day may inspire introspection about personal growth, independence, expectations of love, and the value of friendships and family bonds. Rather than solely highlighting romantic absence, it can become a moment to reassess life goals, emotional resilience, and self-compassion.

At a broader societal level, Valentine’s Day also encourages reflection on cultural narratives surrounding love—how media, tradition, and social comparison shape emotional experiences. This awareness allows individuals to redefine the meaning of the day in ways that align with their values and psychological well-being.

Thus, Valentine’s Day is not merely a celebration of romantic attachment; it is a meaningful pause—a symbolic checkpoint for emotional reflection, relational awareness, and personal growth.

2.5.Valentine’s Day offers an opportunity to reflect on love in its many forms

 

Valentine’s Day offers an opportunity to reflect on love in its many forms—romantic love, familial love, friendship, community bonds, and self-love. While society often emphasizes couples and romantic gestures, the deeper meaning of the day extends far beyond partnership status.

It invites individuals to appreciate the people who provide support, encouragement, and companionship in everyday life. Love may be expressed through kindness, forgiveness, patience, sacrifice, and shared presence. It exists in friendships that endure hardship, in family ties that offer unconditional care, and in acts of service that strengthen communities.

Equally important is self-love—the practice of self-respect, emotional awareness, and personal growth. Reflecting on love in its broader sense helps reduce social comparison and encourages a more inclusive understanding of connection.

Ultimately, Valentine’s Day becomes not only a celebration of romance but a reminder that love is multifaceted, relational, and deeply human in all its expressions.

Valentine’s Day, which is often considered a day of love and connection, represents more than romantic celebration alone. It symbolizes a cultural moment when affection, appreciation, and emotional bonds are intentionally expressed and recognized.

While commonly associated with couples exchanging gifts and gestures, the essence of the day extends to friendships, family relationships, and acts of kindness within communities. It becomes a time when individuals consciously acknowledge the importance of connection in their lives.

At the same time, Valentine’s Day can evoke mixed emotions depending on personal circumstances. For some, it strengthens intimacy and gratitude; for others, it may prompt reflection, longing, or self-examination. These varied experiences highlight the complexity of emotional life during culturally significant celebrations.

Ultimately, Valentine’s Day serves as a reminder that love—whether romantic, familial, platonic, or self-directed—is central to human well-being and social harmony.

2.5.Why Valentine’s Day Can Evoke Unexpected Feelings, Even in Happy Lives”

Even when life feels content and relationships are stable, Valentine’s Day can bring up strong or unexpected emotions because it acts as a cultural spotlight on love, connection, and belonging. The day is socially framed as a celebration of romance, which naturally encourages reflection on relationships—past, present, and even imagined.

For couples, this reflection can trigger anxiety about meeting expectations, giving meaningful gifts, or showing love in “the right way,” even when the relationship is healthy. The pressure to perform or live up to cultural ideals can stir insecurity or stress alongside joy.

For single individuals, Valentine’s Day can highlight absence or longing, prompting feelings of loneliness or social comparison—even for those who are usually satisfied with their lives. Seeing friends or peers in romantic situations, particularly on social media, can subtly influence emotions and self-perception.

Additionally, the day encourages introspection about all forms of love—romantic, familial, platonic, and self-love. Reflecting on these connections can bring up gratitude, nostalgia, or subtle regrets, making the emotional response complex and sometimes unexpected.

In short, Valentine’s Day amplifies emotional awareness. It is not necessarily a sign that something is wrong; rather, it highlights the deep human need for connection and the multifaceted nature of our feelings about love and relationships.

For singles, the day can highlight absence or spark social comparison, especially on social media, even if they’re generally content with their lives.

Ultimately, Valentine’s Day is a reminder of how deeply we value connection. It encourages reflection on all kinds of love—romantic, friendship, family, and self-love—making emotions richer, more complex, and sometimes surprising.

3.Methodology

3.1 Research Design

This study adopted a cross-sectional quantitative research design.

3.2Participants

A total of N = 240 participants (Age: M = 26.4, SD = 4.8) were recruited via online survey platforms.

• In a romantic relationship (n = 120)
• Single (n = 120)

Gender distribution was balanced (52% female, 48% male).

3.3Instruments

1. Emotional Well-Being Scale (10 items; α = .87)
2. Social Comparison Scale (8 items; α = .82)
3. Perceived Social Support Scale (12 items; α = .89)
4. Mindfulness Scale (10 items; α = .84)

All scales used a 5-point Likert format.

3.4 Data Analysis

Data were analyzed using:

• Descriptive statistics (Mean, Standard Deviation)
• Independent samples t-test
• Pearson correlation
• Multiple regression
• One-way ANOVA

Significance level: p < .05

4. Results

4.1 Descriptive Statistics

Variable	In Relationship (M ± SD)	Single (M ± SD)
Emotional Well-Being	4.18 ± 0.61	3.52 ± 0.79
Social Comparison	2.87 ± 0.72	3.91 ± 0.68
Social Support	4.09 ± 0.66	3.58 ± 0.83
Mindfulness	3.92 ± 0.63	3.70 ± 0.71

Participants in relationships reported higher emotional well-being and social support, while singles reported higher social comparison.

4.2 Independent Samples t-Test

A significant difference was found in emotional well-being:

t(238) = 7.02, p < .001
Cohen’s d = 0.91 (large effect size)

This indicates that relationship status significantly influences emotional well-being during Valentine’s Day.

4.3 Pearson Correlation

Variable	r with Emotional Well-Being
Social Comparison	−.56**
Social Support	+.64**
Mindfulness	+.49**

p < .01

Emotional well-being is positively associated with social support and mindfulness, and negatively associated with social comparison.

4.4 Multiple Regression

Model Summary:
R² = .58
F(4,235) = 81.47, p < .001

Standardized Betas:

• Social Support (β = .43, p < .001)
• Social Comparison (β = −.36, p < .001)
• Relationship Status (β = .28, p < .01)
• Mindfulness (β = .22, p < .05)

Social support emerged as the strongest predictor of emotional well-being.

4.5 One-Way ANOVA

Participants categorized as Married, Dating, Single, Recently Divorced showed significant differences:

F(3,236) = 9.84, p < .001

Post-hoc analysis revealed that married individuals reported higher well-being compared to singles and recently divorced individuals.

5. Discussion

The findings confirm that relationship status significantly shapes emotional experiences during Valentine’s Day. However, psychosocial variables—particularly social support and social comparison—play a more substantial role in predicting emotional well-being.

These results support attachment theory and social comparison theory. Individuals with strong social networks and mindful attitudes exhibit greater emotional resilience, regardless of relationship status.

Valentine’s Day does not inherently determine happiness; rather, internal psychological resources and social environments influence outcomes.

6. Practical Implications

1. Promote inclusive celebrations emphasizing diverse forms of love.
2. Encourage mindful social media consumption.
3. Strengthen social support networks.
4. Develop mental health campaigns addressing social comparison pressures.
5. Redefine Valentine’s Day beyond romantic exclusivity.

7. Conclusion

Valentine’s Day impacts emotional well-being differently depending on relationship status. Individuals in relationships generally report higher well-being, yet social support and reduced social comparison are stronger predictors than relationship status alone. Emotional well-being during culturally significant events is multifaceted and influenced by psychological resilience, interpersonal connections, and societal narratives.

Redefining Valentine’s Day as a broader celebration of human connection—including self-love, friendship, and community—can foster inclusive emotional well-being.

Future research should explore longitudinal designs and cross-cultural comparisons to further understand emotional responses during romanticized cultural celebrations.

Dr. Havugimana Alexis Quotes 

1. “True love is not measured by gifts or words, but by the depth of understanding and the strength of presence.” — Dr. Havugimana Alexis
2. “Emotional well-being grows when we nurture our connections, not only with others but also with ourselves.” — Dr. Havugimana Alexis
3. “Valentine’s Day reminds us that love is a practice, not a performance.” — Dr. Havugimana Alexis
4. “Even in silence, even in stillness, the heart can speak volumes if we choose to listen.” — Dr. Havugimana Alexis
5. “Self-love is the foundation upon which all other love stands firm.” — Dr. Havugimana Alexis
6. “Loneliness is not the absence of love, but the opportunity to discover the love within.” — Dr. Havugimana Alexis
7. “The beauty of love is found in patience, forgiveness, and daily acts of kindness.” — Dr. Havugimana Alexis
8. “A heart that gives without expecting returns grows richer each day.” — Dr. Havugimana Alexis
9. “True connection requires presence, honesty, and the courage to be vulnerable.” — Dr. Havugimana Alexis
10. “Celebrate love not just in February, but in every thoughtful gesture and compassionate act.” — Dr. Havugimana Alexis

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Feeney, J. A., & Noller, P. (1996). Adult attachment. Sage Publications.

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