DEAR ERIC: Valentine’s Day is approaching and members of my family and friends send me “Happy Valentine’s Day” texts, knowing that I am a widow. They claim that Valentine’s is for everybody, not just couples. I feel otherwise and this just rubs salt into my wounds. These wishes feel to me very thoughtless and insensitive. How do I respond?

A widow feels family members and friends are being insensitive when they send Valentine’s Day greetings. Dear Eric: Valentine’s Day is approaching and members of my family and friends send me “Happy Valentine’s Day” texts, knowing that I am a widow. They claim that Valentine’s is for everybody, not just couples.

Henrico is encouraging community members to get creative and donate greeting cards that will be handed out at assisted living facilities throughout the area this Valentine’s Day.

Dear Eric: Valentine’s Day is approaching and members of my family and friends send me “Happy Valentine’s Day” texts, knowing that I am a widow. They claim that Valentine’s is for everybody, not just couples. I feel otherwise and this just rubs salt into my wounds. These wishes feel to me very thoughtless and insensitive. How do I respond?

"Valentine’s Day is approaching and members of my family and friends send me 'Happy Valentine’s Day' texts, knowing that I am a widow."

If there are some who have repeatedly sent texts or made a point to contradict you about your own feelings, proactively asking before Valentine’s Day that they not send a message may help. Now, it may also draw you into a debate.

It was England's King Henry VII who officially declared February 14th as the holiday of St. Valentine's Day! Every year, millions of couples buy chocolate-boxes and gift cards on this day to impress their partners.