Today we have a blog post from one of our Master’s level interns, Katelyn Ramsay, about broadening our definition of love. Katelyn has a passion for helping others and desires for her clients to feel seen, safe, heard, and understood.
Her counseling approach relies on the practice of and use of compassion, growth, support, and empowerment with oneself and one’s relationships. Holding a strong belief that everyone’s journey is unique; Katelyn values the power of the therapeutic relationship. She believes wholeheartedly that all people have potential for growth.
She believes all people and bodies are worthy and valuable. Katelyn feels honored to walk alongside her clients on this journey, not only to heal but also to discover a deeper sense of purpose and self-worth.
Redefining Love This Valentine’s Day
Love exists in many forms beyond romance, yet Valentine’s Day is often framed as a celebration of romantic relationships. This framing may unintentionally suggest that being in a romantic relationship is the primary marker of connection, happiness, and worth. For many, this may feel exclusionary when their most meaningful relationships don’t fit that narrative. Friendships, chosen family, and community are powerful forms of love that are often overlooked during a holiday centered on couples. By broadening our understanding of what love looks like, we begin to reduce the pressure to measure our worth by our relationship status.
Notice and Name the Narrative
Valentine’s Day carries cultural expectations about what love “should” look like. These messages often create pressure or feelings of inadequacy. Take a moment to notice the stories and narratives you see through social media or conversations and name them. Recognizing these narratives allows you to separate societal expectations from your personal values and experiences. By doing this, you create space to define what love truly means to you on your own terms.
Acknowledge Existing Love
Take a moment to pause and reflect on the love already present in your life. Acknowledging these connections may help shift your focus away from the cultural emphasis on romantic relationships, allowing you to appreciate the numerous ways love shows up in your life. By naming and valuing these relationships, you reinforce the idea that love is multifaceted and that your emotional well-being does not depend on a romantic relationship alone.
Choose How You Want to Celebrate Connection
Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to follow a traditional script or center solely on romantic gestures. Think about ways to honor connections that feel meaningful to you. This might be reaching out to a friend or family member, spending time on a hobby that brings joy, practicing self-care, or simply treating the day like any other. Intentionally choosing how to engage helps you reclaim the holiday and reminds you that love can be expressed and received in many forms.
A resource I recommend is “All About Love,” where the author Bell Hooks invites readers to rethink love as an intentional practice rather than a feeling reserved for romantic partnerships. She defines love through actions such as care, commitment, trust, respect, and responsibility, which are all qualities that can exist in friendships, family relationships, community, and within oneself. It’s a grounding read for anyone looking to expand their definition of love and reconnect with what truly fosters connection and belonging.
An affirmation I want to leave you with: “My relationship status does not define my worth. I am deserving of love, connection, and care in many forms.”
Cheering you on!
Katelyn Ramsay
We hope you found Katelyn’s insights on connections and relationships helpful. If her message resonated with you, this could be the perfect time to take meaningful steps towards your healing and peace. To initiate your work with Katelyn, please feel free to call our office at 615.510.3797 or click here to learn more.
