The Valentine Bonus Series
Love, Cynicism & Still Hoping
A Valentine series for people who’ve loved hard, learned slowly, and still haven’t stopped paying attention. Six essays on love, cynicism, boundaries, and the quiet hope that refuses to stay quiet.
This series includes:
Six weekly Valentine essays (posted Wednesdays)
One Friday the 13th wrap-up on bad romantic decisions
A Valentine’s Day coda that admits hope hasn’t left
Each post stands alone — but together, they tell a bigger story.
The Love No One Posts About
Let’s get one thing straight: If my relationship had an Instagram feed, it would be mostly blurry photos, half-eaten sandwiches, and me in sweatpants asking, “Did you see where I put my keys?” Social media makes love look like a never-ending highlight reel—sunsets, coordinated outfits, and breakfasts that no normal human actually prepares. Meanwhile, I’m over here feeling lucky if my coffee isn’t cold. So, if you’re here for cinematic romance, you’re about to be deeply disappointed. Welcome to the outtakes: the love no one posts about.