Tag: gift

With the constant conversation about our current recession, maybe it’s time to look at one of your most valuable asset—your marriage—and make sure it’s recession proof.

Let’s start with a simple exercise. Think back to all the romantic things you did when you were dating your sweetheart. When was the last time you planned a special date, offered an unexpected gift or showered your sweetie with compliments? If it’s been a while, you’d better get busy and serve up a stimulus package of your own.

It’s Valentine’s Day—let’s try something a little different. I agree that positive affirmations sound a little corny, but we could all use a little positive energy right now. Say something nice about yourself, to yourself, today.

I was introduced to meditation in 2006, and I can’t tell you how much it has changed my life. The positive affirmation was the first start. You’ll be surprised how much loving yourself carries over into the lives of everyone else around you. I haven’t ever had too much of a problem with self-esteem, but I have always been a perfectionist, which is not conducive to self-love. Be kind and forgiving to yourself today and the weeks ahead and you’ll be surprised how much you love everyone else.

This will make a great start to Valentine’s Day and the days that follow. Your new approach to life will leave you feeling more creative and open to giving. You won’t need to spend money to give your Valentine what they want.

Several years ago I published a poll for Valentine’s Day as part of ongoing research for my book, The Secrets of Happily Married Men. I asked guys for their feelings about Valentine’s Day. The results of the poll didn’t surprise me: about 15 percent of the guys eagerly looked forward to the day; the majority were either neutral or downright angry. Most men felt like slaves to the greeting card industry!

I understand why most guys don’t cherish Valentine’s Day. Let’s face it: despite all the hype about it being a day for lovers, couples and romantics, it’s really a day for women. Women look forward to the cards, the flowers, the jewelry, the chocolates and the candle-lit dinners.

Statistics prove, prove that you've one birthday / One birthday every year / But there are three hundred and sixty-four unbirthday’s / That is why we're gathered here to cheer. / A very merry unbirthday to you!

The Unbirthday Song, made famous by the Walt Disney’s film Alice In Wonderland tells a tale of celebration for the sake of celebrating.

Radical? Perhaps, but as a licensed therapist, life coach and die hard Disney fan, I must admit the "unbirthday" concept should hardly be seen as the work of the "extremist spouse."