Ashley Jamesさんのインスタグラム写真 - (Ashley JamesInstagram)「VALENTINE'S DAY. 💘 I wrote this thread for anyone who needs to read it today. I used to dread Valentine's Day. It used to be the day that would highlight my singleness, which I saw as a sign of failure. If I was seeing someone, I'd spend the day hoping and praying they'd text me (not even dinner or flowers, that's how low my expectations were). Whilst waiting, I'd see everyone else's romantic gestures and feel even more lonely and wonder what was wrong with me. And if I didn't hear from the person I was dating, I'd make excuses for them: "well we aren't official", "they probably don't want to be too keen", and just pretend it was cool. I mean, I didn't want to be a 'psycho' by reacting. If you're relating to this, let me just say this: it's not expecting a lot for the person you're seeing to message you on Valentine's Day. It's what you deserve as a BARE MINIMUM. It's a text, not a proposal. You're not a psycho for communicating your feelings and knowing your worth. Two years ago, after 4 years of being single, I stopped letting Valentine's Day, or any other day, make me feel inadequate because of my relationship status. I stopped focussing on what I didn't have, and focused on what I did have. I would organise the biggest dinner parties for friends, I'd dress up, I'd buy my friends and MYSELF flowers. We don't need to wait for an imaginary stranger to come along to make us feel loved or happy. Plus, I realised that I don't need to compare my relationship status or happiness to anyone else. Someone else's relationship (whether it's happy or not) has absolutely nothing to do with where I am in my life. It allowed me to be happy for other people's happiness, knowing it took nothing away from my own. Now I'm in a relationship, I feel I have a superpower. I know that my happiness isn't defined by my relationship status. Therefore I know I'd never be scared to walk away from something that doesn't serve me. I'll never stay in a toxic relationship. So Happy Valentine's Day you lovely lot. Whatever your relationship status I hope you can celebrate love today. 💘 #valentinesday #love」2月14日 21時24分