February has always been seen as the month of love, but it can look a little different for all of us. I've had a Valentine my entire adult life, from the age of 19 right through to 45, when I met and eventually married my first boyfriend, before separating in 2023. Being "claimed" was such a huge part of my identity, and being someone's "somebody" is still such a huge part of our culture—it is celebrated and coveted.
Despite everything, I am a huge romantic, and yes, I still believe in love. But now that I'm older, wiser and thriving—not just surviving, the month of love means so much more; it's about claiming yourself.
