"Valentine's Day is a chance to celebrate love in all its beautiful forms. This year, I'm focusing on my love for myself, my friends, and my community."

February 14th was a day awash in red and pink, overflowing with chocolates, roses, and the soft glow of candlelit dinners for two. For divorced men, however, Valentine's Day often felt like a stark reminder of what was missing. The quietness of my empty apartment echoed, amplifying the sense of solitude.

This year, I decided to rewrite the Valentine's Day script. Not to erase cherished memories of romantic dinners or heartfelt gifts but to embrace the opportunity to celebrate love in its many forms, starting with the most crucial one: self-love.

The key, I discovered, was to focus on activities that brought me joy and fulfilment, independent of romantic entanglements. I reconnected with old friends, planning a game night filled with laughter, the friendly competition rekindling a sense of camaraderie, and good company warming the space that had felt so empty.

Connecting with my community became another fulfilling alternative. Volunteering at the local animal shelter brought a sense of purpose and allowed me to connect with like-minded individuals who shared a love for animals. Showering rescued dogs with affection filled me with warmth.

Of course, there were moments of nostalgia. A cheesy Valentine's Day card tucked away in a drawer triggered a wave of bittersweet memories. But I had learned to acknowledge these feelings openly, embracing them as part of the journey without letting them dictate my present experience.

Redefining Valentine's Day after divorce is personal, with challenges. But by focusing on self-care, fostering connections with loved ones in new ways, and embracing new experiences, we can create meaningful moments that celebrate.

So, on that Valentine's Day, I treated myself to a delicious homemade meal, the aroma filling the quiet apartment with comfort. I volunteered at the animal shelter, the playful energy of the dogs erasing any lingering loneliness. Later, curled up with a good book, I revelled in the simple pleasure of quiet solitude.

A different kind of warmth filled me, the warmth of self-acceptance, of finding joy in unexpected places, and of creating new traditions that reflected who I was now. After all, Valentine's Day, I realized, was about embracing the love we have for ourselves, our friends, our community and the potential for new connections that lie ahead. It was about celebrating how love enriches our lives, regardless of its form.

Hasib Afzal