But broken hearts are not just for lovers. They can also be for estranged couples, bereaved friends and families, and former friends.  Many times, mending a broken heart, means making peace and giving forgiveness. Even when it feels like we’d rather hold onto all of that pain until it makes us explode, than to face it head-on. The thing is, holding onto all of those feelings is worse for us than it is for those who’ve hurt us. It’s not making them lose sleep, and it only serves to manifest more suffering in our own lives.

So throughout February, even if you don’t want to indulge in heart-shaped boxes of chocolate or cheesy cards, take one step toward mending a broken heart, be it yours or the heart of someone you care about.

Make amends. Go back to those broken bridges with a hammer and nails and start mending. Call an old friend you’ve become separated with, and say that you’re sorry. Reconnect with estranged loved ones, even if they don’t want to form relationships, let them know that you have no hard feelings; that you hope they are well, and you will think of them warmly.

Forgive. Write a letter of forgiveness to the person who left, who broke your heart, or who hurt you for what you think is beyond repair. You don’t have to send it; just pour your heart out, acknowledging all of the grief and heartache, and move on. If you’ve been angry with someone, write down everything they’ve done, everything they make you feel; then tear it up, and let it go.

Help a loved one get through a tough time. If you have a friend or relative going through a divorce, break-up, death, illness, or another rough patch, just offer to be there. Do what you can, whether it’s help with some phone calls, a cooked meal, or just by being a listener; above all else refrain from judgment. Hold your loved one when he or she needs holding.

Take it back. If you said something to someone that was so hurtful, and you wish you hadn’t said it, tell that person. Explain what you really feel, and deeply apologize, without asking for anything in return. You can’t actually take it back fully, but you can let them know that your comments were impulsive; out of anger, sadness, or pain, not truth, and that you regret saying them and causing pain to them.

While this month is labeled as the month for lovers, you can make it a little better for someone who may be brokenhearted, just be there and let them know that they are not alone.