International Heartbreak Recovery Day 2025
Introducing International Heartbreak Recovery Day on February 18th: A Global Movement for Healing, Growth, and Renewal
Heartbreak is universal. But so is healing.
Romantic heartbreak is a universal experience—profound, deeply personal, and often life-altering. Yet, it's often overlooked in our culture, overshadowed by the celebration of love and romance. Especially on Valentine’s Day.
This year, I’m shifting that narrative with the launch of International Heartbreak Recovery Day (HRD), a globally recognized initiative on February 18th dedicated to acknowledging and supporting those navigating heartbreak.
Why February 18th?
The date, just a few days after Valentine’s Day, is symbolic. While Valentine’s Day traditionally focuses on celebrating romantic love and affection between intimate partners, International Heartbreak Recovery Day shifts the spotlight and offers a meaningful alternative for those facing the emotional pain of ended relationships.
For many, Valentine’s Day can be an isolating experience. With its overwhelming focus on romantic love, it often leaves those who are healing from a breakup feeling left out, heavy-hearted, or even inadequate. This time of year can amplify loneliness and sadness, but HDR creates space for us to acknowledge these emotions and offer a path toward hope and renewal.
Who is this day for?
Romantic heartbreak can take many forms, which is why International Heartbreak Recovery Day is for anyone experiencing this kind of pain. This includes but is not limited to individuals struggling with:
The emotional aftermath of an ended relationship—whether a breakup, divorce, separation or anything else
Romantic grief of any kind, from the loss of a connection to the death of a partner
Dating challenges like rejection, ghosting, mismatched expectations, etc.
Disappointment from unrequited love
Unmet expectations (such as a failed engagement, a called-off wedding, or other unfulfilled promises)
Breaking free of or seeking help for unhealthy or toxic relationships
The emotional wounds of betrayal and infidelity
Unforeseen life circumstances that have affected a romantic connection (e.g., long-distance, health issues, or financial concerns).
Feeling stuck due to long-term, lingering heartbreak and unresolved romantic grief, no matter how long ago the heartbreak occurred
Beyond those directly affected by heartbreak, HRD is also for supporters—friends, family, and community members—who want to help others on their healing journey.
Ultimately, this day is a celebration of resilience, self-love, and empowerment, offering the opportunity to heal together through shared experiences and collective support.
The Inspiration Behind International Heartbreak Recovery Day
After a decade of working with clients who I’ve seen struggle with Valentine’s Day “anxiety” (yes, it’s real!), the idea for HRD naturally emerged.
This initiative was born from the desire to share the inspiring message that heartbreak can be a powerful opportunity for transformation.
At its core, the primary goals of International Heartbreak Recovery Day are:
To acknowledge the universal experience of heartbreak. It’s only by acknowledging the pain that we can begin to rewrite its narrative to one of self-discovery, self-care, and renewal.
To empower heartbroken individuals with the actionable recovery resources, tools, and community support they need to move forward. Because no one should have to struggle to get the support they need.
To inspire hope and show heartbroken individuals their capacity for transformation. From devasted and desperate today to hopeful and empowered tomorrow. To foster inclusion and community where everyone is welcome to process their experience. No matter the background, experience, or relationship type, heartbreak is heartbreak.
How is HRD different from "Anti-Valentine's Day"?
While International Heartbreak Recovery Day and Anti-Valentine's Day both fall around Valentine’s Day, they serve different purposes and intentions.
HRD focuses on healing, self-love, and resilience. It acknowledges the pain of heartbreak (especially amidst all the Valentine’s festivities), offers support for recovery, and encourages individuals to use the day as an opportunity for reflection, healing, and personal growth.
In contrast, Anti-Valentine's Day is more about rejecting or protesting the societal expectations and commercialization of romantic love. It typically challenges societal expectations of Valentine's Day, often with a negative or oppositional tone.
HRD, on the other hand, takes an uplifting, inclusive approach by providing a supportive space for anyone experiencing heartbreak—whether it’s fresh or lingering, or whether they’re healing from a breakup, grief, or betrayal. At its core, HRD is about positive transformation and empowerment through healing.
A New Narrative for Heartbreak
Heartbreak doesn’t have to define us—it can refine us. By coming together on International Heartbreak Recovery Day, we’re rewriting the story of heartbreak and creating a space for healing, growth, and empowerment.
This February 18th, let’s heal together.
Heartbroken this year? Here’s how to participate in International Heartbreak Recovery Day
Here’s how else you can join the movement:
Take time to prioritize yourself: Tend healing your broken heart in whatever way feels right for you. For some ideas, take a look at some of my suggestions in this blog.
Spread the word and share your journey: Inspire and connect with others by sharing your personal story of heartbreak and recovery on social media. Tag us @thebreakupcoach with #HeartbreakRecoveryDay.
Explore our resources: Access and share our free guides, and other tools designed to help you navigate the recovery process.
Whether you’re currently experiencing heartbreak or want to support someone who is, HRD is for everyone.
With this in mind, I’m grateful for the opportunity to announce we’re launching the BetterBreakups Masterclass.
This concise, actionable course was inspired by my last decade spent helping clients heal their hearts, navigate their love lives, and overcome their romantic challenges.
The mini-course is based on my proven BetterBreakups Method™ – the very same approach I’ve used to guide hundreds of post-breakup clients from feeling desperate and devastated to becoming hopeful, accepting, and fully empowered to move forward in their lives.
Additional Valentine’s Day Resources
Access all of our Valentine’s Day resources to help you have an enjoyable, stress-free Valentine’s.
If you’d like to discuss the possibility of working together, please book a complimentary 20-min consultation.
Natalia Juarez | Breakup Coach & Dating Strategist
Natalia Juarez is a breakup coach and dating strategist. After going through a broken engagement in 2010, she became obsessed with reimagining heartbreak as an opportunity for transformation. Today, she helps men and women through the entire spectrum of breakups or divorce—helping them recover, initiate a separation, win an ex back, and find new love.
