How do you all deal with valentines day?

loneliness subforum would be your best bet.

 

Isn't keeping busy essentially a strategy of distraction, and distraction basically so you don't have to deal with something? After all if you don't have expectations in the first place there is nothing to be disappointed by, or comparison with someone who does have a partner to feel depressed on that basis.

Not that I have anything against a distraction if it helps you get through the day, but in the long run that's really a matter of not dealing with it. Whether it's romantic relationships or getting the best toys on Christmas it's all a matter of peer pressure. People in addiction recovery seem to have a one sided bias for positive peer pressure in that sense and not recognize the dependency on it.

 

This time next year you could be spending Valentine’s Day with the love of your life. Keep with nofap.

 

Investing in hobbies and doing them with people/friends would be awesome. I think in general, holidays or occasions like Valentine's Day, it's best to surround yourself with friends/community that'll make you feel loved. No doubt about it, anyone would struggle on Valentine's Day if it were spent alone.

 

Ignore Valentines Day. Just another commercial creation to get people to buy unnecessary stuff using emotional bait to reel in shoppers.
Edit: that's a bit harsh and unromantic, I know.