Not to be a wet blanket, but the first Valentine's Day after your SO dies unexpectedly sucks.
I didn't think it would bother me this much because I've never been one to celebrate this particular day much. I'm tempted to buy myself a box of chocolates and eat it but then I'd be sad and nauseous. 
Meh, I'll muddle through. Sorry to be such a Debbie Downer. I sincerely hope you all have a nice day.
All of your hearts helped. Thank you all so much.
= new reply since forum marked as read
Do whatever makes you feel better. I was never much for V-Day either and now that I'm old and single I'll probably never get another one. But it's way sadder to have lost someone. So go have some chocolate if it helps, and have some for me cuz I'm on a diet. And thanks for all the cute animals; you cheer other people up every day.
I see them right there on your posts. You've got a whole bunch of Valentines. 
And yes, Catbyte is truly a treasure here.
I do appreciate them. I'm just better at giving than receiving.
Thank you. Now you've gone and guilted me into buying some more.
no matter if they were a big thing to you or not. Maybe a good day for a few chocolates and keeping busy.
Hope it goes well for you, or as well as it can.
than you know. It's been a rough year, but all of you fantastic people here have made it easier.
Your kind words mean more than you know.
I am so sorry, sweet catbyte
A million virtual ((((((((((hugs))))))))) to you
I hope you're having a wonderful day and thanks again.
But I can eat a lot without feeling sick. 
Hugs to you!
Ben & Jerry's Chocolate Fudge Brownie ice cream. I've been telling myself not to finish it in one sitting, but there are no guarantees in life, especially about this.
Thanks so much!
It's still fresh.
I appreciate you and your posts so much. Wish I could some how make you feel better.
My reaction today was a real surprise because I've never really given a rip about Valentine's Day. But you can't control grief so I'm just going with it. The pint of Ben & Jerry's I bought will help.
Thank you so much for your message. It truly helps.
I bought a pint of Ben & Jerry's Chocolate Fudge Brownie, but I promised myself not to eat it all in one sitting. Thanks so much.
Anniversaries and holidays are really tough after losing a partner or a child or a parent or a friend who meant the world to you.
You do know that you mean the world to us animal lovers here on DU? We love your videos and photos and stories.
Hugs from Snowy and me.
Your message brought me to tears. This is the last "first" holiday without him, so at least there aren't any more gut-punching firsts. Like I said, my emotions knocked me for a loop today because I've never really given a crap about Valentine's Day. But grief is a funny thing. Thank you again for your post. It means the world to me. Hugs to you and Snowy!
I'm so sorry. Holidays can be really tough when you spend them thinking of lost loved ones.
You have us. We all love you, and your posts are always a bright spot for me.
Buy those chocolates and flowers! You deserve it.
13. We'd spent a wonderful day with her. We lived about 20 miles away. When we got home, the phone was ringing when we walked in the door. I've hated New Year's ever since. I bought a pint of Ben & Jerry's Chocolate Fudge Brownie, but I promised myself not to finish it in one sitting. Take care and thank you.
I hope you know we all care.
I know.
It’s the same for me about my son. 
:
keep plugging along because that's all we can do. Thank you for your kind words and take care.
Just remember they are always with you in your heart and soul and in your memories. Celebrate their life.
My wife of 54 years passed last fall, so this day seems cold - emotionally as well as the weather here.
My only savior is my sweet daughter and granddaughter that I can spoil a little next time I see them.
Your many critter posts are one of several things that's helped to carry me through these blue months and damned cold winter, and I thank you........
Hang in there......we be tough Democrats......
ease your grief and I'm brought to tears knowing that my posts have helped you. It's a form of therapy for me. It's the coldest day of the year here in Michigan so it's the perfect metaphor for the day. I'm doing okay, and your post definitely helps. Thank you again and pretty soon it'll be February 15.
when it rains, it pours. He just got word yesterday on of his childhood friends died from a drug OD, a girl of a family from TN that have been family friends for many years. We've had quite a challenge since last fall to support each other and thank goodness he's back in college after his mother's death (they were very close).
My first trip up North was to Michigan in the early 70s not long after I moved here from TN and it was to Kalamazoo at the university in the dead of winter. I 'bout froze to death, as this southern boy didn't know how to dress and the streets had a long-term snow pack. I was grateful to have someone from the school drive me around during my visit.
We've had a relatively mild winter this year but it ain't over.
Thanks again for your kind words and understanding.......
so sorry my sweet
a beloved coworker of mine died in January - I sent flowers to the out of town funeral but this week I wrote a long letter to his wife, letting her know what he had meant to us at work. I am hoping she received it today.
Your post brought me to tears. I got through the day and even managed to eat less than 1/2 of the pint of Ben & Jerry's Chocolate Fudge Brownie ice cream I bought. Life's little victories. Again, thank you so much for your note. It means more than you can imagine.
I'm not sure what year it was, but finally, I noticed I was looking back through happy lenses and not mourning lenses. I was talking about my husband with laughter instead of tears, that was a big deal.
If not chocolates, some other nice self care treat... Maybe a small potted plant or movie? I think probably the nicest gift we can give ourselves is to treat ourselves with the same empathy as we would extend to others.
Take care, hope you're doing okay.
