February Is About More Than Romantic Love

by Maria Curran and Darabeth Freiberg

When we think about February, we often associate it with Valentine’s Day, flowers, dinner reservations, social media posts, and engagement announcements. However, what if we broaden our perspective? What if love is not something that is only reserved for couples? 

Unconditional Love: Not Just Romantic 

Unconditional love is the type of love that many parents feel for their children. It conveys the message: no matter what you do, who you become, or how imperfect you are, I love you. This love is steady; it does not vanish after a mistake or disappear after poor choices. 

For some, unconditional love manifests in the bond with a child or grandchild. For others, it exists in the connection with a beloved pet or the deep loyalty to nieces and nephews. It can also be found in lifelong friendships that feel like family. 

Unconditional love is not confined to marriage or defined solely by partnership. It is not limited to February. 

Unconditional Positive Regard: The Therapeutic Parallel 

In client-centered therapy, psychologist Carl Rogers introduced the concept of unconditional positive regard (UPR). This practice involves accepting and supporting a person without judgment in the present moment. According to Psychology Today, unconditional positive regard means accepting someone "without evaluating or judging them." This approach creates emotional safety, which fosters personal growth (Cherry, 2024). Read more here: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/assembly-required/202405/the-power-of-positive-regard

It is important to understand that unconditional positive regard (UPR) does not imply approval of harmful behavior. Instead, it emphasizes valuing the individual while still holding them accountable and supporting their growth. As mentioned in another Psychology Today article, UPR does not require endorsing someone's actions; rather, it involves approaching them with respect and care instead of condemnation (DiDonato, 2012). Read more here: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/what-doesnt-kill-us/201210/unconditional-positive-regard

UPR is not a passive process. Person-centered therapy emphasizes deep listening, empathy, and ongoing acceptance, creating a dynamic environment that supports healing (Seltzer, 2025). Read more here: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/what-doesnt-kill-us/202507/person-centered-therapy-is-not-passive-its-deep-listening 

This concept beautifully connects to everyday life: when we accept ourselves and others without judgment, we create space for healing, connection, and belonging. 

Why February Can Be Hard 

For many people, this season can heighten feelings of loneliness. If you are:

- Recently divorced

- Grieving a loved one

- Living with chronic pain

- Estranged from family

- Single while your friends are partnered

- Or simply feeling excluded from the cultural celebrations 

February may seem less like a time of joy and more like a reminder of what you lack. 

The cultural narrative often promotes the idea that romantic love is the ultimate form of connection, but this notion is incomplete. Love exists in many forms, and many of these forms are just as powerful as romance. 

The Power of Community Support 

Unconditional love is not just something we experience in our families; we can also find it within our communities. Programs like Second Saturday offer education and support for individuals going through divorce. What may start as a practical workshop can evolve into something more profound: a space where people feel acknowledged, informed, and supported during a vulnerable transition. You can learn more here: https://www.secondsaturday.com. 

Community-centered programs like Second Saturday, along with initiatives such as Her Next Chapter LLC (@hernextchapterllc), reflect a broader truth: healing does not depend on romantic partnership. It requires connection, compassion, and informed support. 

A Gentle Reframe 

Instead of asking:

- Who is loving me romantically right now? 

You might consider asking:

- Where am I already loved?

- Who counts on me?

- Who feels safe with me?

- What relationships in my life are stable and mutual?

- How do I offer unconditional love to others?

- Can I begin offering some of that same unconditional positive regard to myself? 

Self-compassion, especially during challenging times, is not indulgent; it is protective. 

You Not Have to Navigate This Alone 

At the Center for Creativity and Healing (@tcfchcharlotte), we believe that healing occurs in safe and accepting environments. We offer:

- Individual therapy

- Group support

- Creative workshops, including our Broken Bowl and Open Studio Process workshops 

Our goal is to provide non-judgmental support that encourages resilience and personal growth. 

Love is not just about finding someone; it is about creating connections and experiencing acceptance. It involves healing within a community.

Sometimes, the most powerful expression of love is simply this: "You are worthy — exactly as you are." 

References

Cherry, K. (2024). The power of positive regard. Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/assembly-required/202405/the-power-of-positive-regard

DiDonato, T. (2012). Unconditional positive regard. Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/what-doesnt-kill-us/201210/unconditional-positive-regard

Seltzer, L. F. (2025). Person-centered therapy is not passive—It is deep listening. Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/what-doesnt-kill-us/202507/person-centered-therapy-is-not-passive-its-deep-listening

Second Saturday. (n.d.). About Second Saturday. https://www.secondsaturday.com