VALENTINE’S DAY can be a difficult day for some people. Hospice of Health First Bereavement Coordinator Charles Parker says taking a few easy steps can help those grieving get through the trappings without holing up in the house.”

Valentine's Day can be a difficult day for people who have lost someone they’ve loved, either because of a breakup or something tragic.

Hospice of Health First Bereavement Coordinator Charles Parker says the first thing he tells those grieving a day like Valentine's Day is, don't try anything overly new.

“Try to stay in your same routine. If you're grieving the loss of someone and if you're somebody that has not been socializing too much,” then stay home and make cozy choices that bring some joy.

Some further tips:

• Stay off social media. A lot of people post a lot of things on Valentine's Day with their loved ones and that may have something that could be a potential bother for you.
• Try "Your Eyes Only" journaling. Write some things down about your loved one that bring up some fond memories and some nice thoughts.
• Finally, seek out empathetic, or at least sympathetic, listeners.

And if you’re the listener, “Let [this person you care about] have a safe space to tell some stories about their loved one on a day like Valentine's Day. Be encouraging, and let them do what they need to do.”