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Valentine’s Day is commonly marketed as a celebration of love, intimacy, and connection. However, for numerous couples, it turns into an emotional source of suffering in a very quiet way. Rather than feeling closer, partners frequently experience tension, disappointment, or even a bit of disconnectedness. This kind of reaction is not necessarily an indication that the relationship is failing. Most of the time, it is a reflection of the fact that the expectations associated with this single day come into conflict with the realities of everyday relationships. Dr Chandni Tugnait, MD (A.M), Psychotherapist, Life Alchemist, explains

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One major reason that Valentine’s Day brings about anxiety is the heavy burden of the numerous expectations hanging on it. Without being said, there exists a rulebook about expressions of love on the day, involving everything from grand gestures and surprises to romantic plans and emotional closeness. The trouble is that these expectations are very seldom revealed openly. One partner may anticipate unspoken effort and romance, whereas the other may consider that the main focus should be on continuous care throughout the year rather than one event. When these expectations are not in agreement, disappointment will gradually take the place of connection.

Social media only adds to the pressure. Our feeds are flooded with the most picture-perfect pieces of couples’ love, romantic flowers, presents, and super sweet captions. Couples who felt good about their relationship a few days ago may suddenly start doubting their relationship. Dr Chandni Tugnait explains that even couples who are emotionally stable can be disturbed if they compare their private reality with public displays on social media. The thing that often gets overlooked is that social media is about the highlights, not the whole emotional truth of a relationship.

Valentine’s Day also seems to have the effect of resurfacing old, unresolved issues. For couples who have been avoiding tough talks, the day represents the issue perfectly. One person may wish that on this day, there will finally be some reassurance, effort, or affection that has been lacking for a long time. When this hope is not met, the emotional pain is felt more deeply than normal.

The gap cannot be closed by one romantic gesture; expecting it to do so often makes the feeling of loss even stronger.

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One more factor seldom mentioned is the pressure to perform happiness. Most people feel that they are the ones who have to make the perfect day. They repress frustration, do not dare to have genuine conversations, and strive to keep things nice. According to Dr. Tugnait, some people even experience a sense of guilt for being upset on Valentine’s Day, as they fear that they might spoil it. When love is what one has to show instead of what one really feels, anxiety is inevitable, for a real bond cannot develop in a place where the persons involved are continually editing or hiding their emotions.

Valentine’s Day may trigger inner doubts about themselves and the need for emotional security. A forgotten plan or lack of enthusiasm may rapidly be transformed into thoughts such as Im not important or Im not loved enough. Very rarely will such reactions have to do with the day. Generally, they arise from old emotional insecurities that get reactivated when love is put under stress, and therefore, the feeling of disappointment is deeply personal.

What the day really shows, Dr. Tugnait says that Valentine’s Day isn’t the main problem. The problem is that we expect one day to hold the emotional weight of an entire relationship. The truth is, love is based on everyday actions like communication, emotional presence, and making up after fights rather than loving each other only one day in a year. If partners are open to each other’s expectations, they generally feel less worried. Some couples just do a simple celebration, others make it different, and some don’t celebrate at all on Valentine’s Day.

Valentine’s Day is turned into anxiety if it is a test of love. As soon as the couple stops trying to prove the relationship in one single moment, this day cannot threaten the relationship anymore. We can love more safely if we allow love to be flawed, changing, and very human.

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The post Why Valentine’s Day Triggers Anxiety, Not Love For Couples; Expert Explains It All first appeared on MissMalini.