❤️💔 VALENTINE'S DAY IS OVER - BUT WHAT DID IT MEAN TO YOU? Valentine’s Day is often one of the most emotionally charged days of the year for scam survivors. It is a day that, for many, used to symbolize love, connection, and romantic gestures. But after experiencing deception, betrayal, and heartbreak, instead it became a painful reminder of what was lost, of trust that was broken, and of the manipulation that played on deep emotional vulnerabilities. For some, yesterday felt like just another day—one they chose to ignore entirely. Others may have found themselves struggling with sadness, anger, or even self-doubt, questioning why they allowed themselves to be deceived or why they still feel the lingering effects of the scam. Some survivors may have been tempted to revisit past messages, old photos, or memories of the scammer, fighting the urge to believe in the illusion that was created. Others may have felt resentment watching social media flood with images of happy couples, engagement announcements, and grand romantic gestures, as if the world was rubbing salt into a still-healing wound. Yet, for many, there was also resilience. There was strength in acknowledging the emotions, in facing the pain rather than avoiding it. Some survivors used the day as a reminder of self-worth, shifting the focus away from what was lost and toward what was being rebuilt. Some turned to their real support systems—friends, family, or SCARS Institute survivor groups—seeking comfort in shared experiences. Others may have even found empowerment in reclaiming the day, making it a celebration of personal healing, self-love, or independence. What was your experience? What thoughts ran through your mind? What emotions did you wrestle with? By sharing your reflections, you may help another survivor who struggled, showing them that they are not alone, that what they felt was valid, and that healing is possible. Your insights can be an inspiration to others who did not survive the day as well as you did. SCARS Institute © 2025