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Valentine’s Day is here, but instead of feeling loved and cherished, you’re dreading it. Maybe there’s a pit in your stomach because this year is different. Your partner has asked for space. They’ve pulled away emotionally, or maybe they’re physically gone. Now, a day that’s supposed to be about love feels like a cruel reminder of what you’ve lost… or what you still might lose.

Welcome to Love Shack Live, the podcast for people at a relationship crossroads, where daily conflicts, emotional distance, and uncertainty don’t have to mean the end of love, but a chance to rebuild it in a way that actually works.

I’m Staci Bartley, a relationship mentor who’s spent the last decade helping people navigate the hardest moments of their lives. Alongside my co-host and lover, Tom, and our daughter, Brooke, we help you untangle the messiness of love.

So here’s the question we’re tackling today: Why does Valentine’s Day feel so painful when your relationship is in limbo? And more importantly, how do you get through it without making the biggest mistakes that will only leave you feeling worse?

In this episode, we’re unpacking the biggest emotional traps that keep you stuck, the #1 mistake people make when they’re desperate for connection, and, most importantly, how to reclaim Valentine’s Day in a way that strengthens you instead of breaking you down.

By the end of this episode, you won’t just have a survival plan, you’ll have a game plan for making this day something that actually helps you begin to feel good again.

So, if you’re wondering whether your partner will reach out… if you’re tempted to send that “just thinking of you” text… or if you feel like you don’t belong anywhere right now, this episode is for you. Let’s get started.

Timestamps: 

01:12 Understanding the Pain of Valentine's Day
01:50 The Stubbed Toe Analogy
05:01 Common Mistakes in Relationship Limbo
09:25 Broadening Your Perspective
22:05 Practical Tips for Self-Love on Valentine's Day
27:34 The Importance of Self-Discovery
36:57 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

💡 Want to go deeper? If you’re navigating space, separation, or emotional distance, it doesn’t have to mean the end of your relationship—it can be the start of a transformative journey toward clarity, confidence, and connection.

✨ Start Your Self-Paced 30-Day Roadmap: This flexible, step-by-step guide helps you move from obligation and anxiety to self-focus and strength—so you can navigate emotional distance with clarity and purpose. Learn more & start today: https://stacibartley.com/self-paced/30-day-roadmap

✨ Download the Separation Survival Kit: Your must-have resource for staying grounded, managing emotions, and regaining clarity during this uncertain time. Get your free guide here: https://stacibartley.com/separation-survival-kit/optin

✨ Explore All Our Programs: From expert mentorship to proven strategies, find the support you need to navigate this chapter of your relationship. Browse here: https://stacibartley.com/programs/index/

🎉 Podcast Listener Exclusive: Use the code LOVESHACK15 at checkout for a special discount on the Self-Paced 30-Day Roadmap!