Tag: valentine's day

To fireproof your marriage while you ignite the passion this Valentine’s Day, there is only one relationship you need to heal—the one with yourself!...

You have just barely gotten over the holiday frenzy, the tree has finally been dragged to the curb or processed into garden mulch, and...

How long has it been since Cupid’s arrow bulls-eyed your heart? On second thought, does Cupid even know where you live now? Is Valentine’s Day just like any other? If so, chances are that romance has—pardon the pun—Gone with the Wind. The wind is what buoys and thrills you to romantic heights. Now you find it has gusted away in Cupid’s wake. It happens. Life sometimes gets in the way and snuffs out passion. Things—even necessary ones—can sidetrack romance until it gets all muddled and loses its way.

You've been going along in your relationship for a few years now, it's a little on the hum-drum side, but hey no major fights, no major hassles, and yes, you're way past the honeymoon stage, but what can you expect? You're both busy with work and the kids, church or community activities, what with one thing and another, who has time for a lot of romance? You're a good team and you love each other, and that should be enough for anybody.

Seeing those bright red cards and shiny hearts when I just finished celebrating New Year’s causes me stress, which can lead to anxiety and then fear…yes, fear! After all, Christmas and New Year’s have barely ended, and I’m already pressured into thinking about creating yet another perfect day, which I may not do right (causing stress), which may cause hurt feelings (causing anxiety), and which could possibly lead to a fight about our relationship (causing fear that our day will be ruined by dredging up old, unresolved issues)!

I used to be a cynic of Valentine’s Day. A cash grab day of cheesy gifts and mediocre service by overburdened workers. I certainly don’t want to sound ungrateful to past loves that made a romantic day solely for my pleasure. But their sincere efforts always felt contrived, like they were forced into it by guilt.

Now married for several years I’ve had to reevaluate my crotchety old belief system. I’ve come to appreciate the importance of looking for reasons to be romantic with the person I’ll be spending many, many years with.

It's almost Valentine's Day. Is this a day you are looking forward to? Or dreading? In my experience, women are more triggered by Valentine's Day forgetfulness or inattention than men. So, in the spirit of averting a Valentine's Day disaster in your marriage, this tip is for the ladies!

Are you excited about showing your love and affection; and letting that special man in your life know how much he means to you? Do you find yourself worrying that your Honey might forget to plan ahead and not send you flowers, buy Godiva Chocolate or that tennis bracelet you've been hinting you really want to have?