As you’ve probably noticed, we are all being bombarded with messages like don’t forget the flowers, boxes of candy, and of course, the diamonds because Valentine’s day is approaching.
Valentine’s day can bring up a myriad of emotions which can either bring couples closer for a short period of time or create feelings of loneliness and separation for other couples or singles.
So how can you deal with a holiday like this and actually enjoy yourself, whether you are in a “relationship” or not?
How can you make your Valentines day celebration romantic if you’re with a partner?
Here is part 1 of the 12 suggestions to make your relationships better–no matter what day it is…
(These suggestions may not appear to be romantic ideas but we guarantee that if you do them with authenticity, the romance in your relationship will heat up.)
1 ) Don’t Forget the “Show”
What’s the “show”? The show is what we do to show the other person that he/she is special in our lives. It can be a greeting card, a present or creating a special night or weekend away. It can be elaborate or it can be simple–whatever the two of you prefer. The main thing is that you “show” the other person how special they are to you.
2 ) Don’t Forget Discernment
The media likes to use hype and if you buy into what the mass media promotes as “the way Valentine’s day should be,” then you might be setting yourself up for disappointment after the big day comes and goes. Remember, it’s not about the money you spend or where you bought that special diamond necklace or ring. It’s about the love that’s underneath that happens every day that really matters.
3 ) Don’t Forget to Be Present and Be Real
If you’re like most people, you’re usually either mentally thinking about what you have to do or are going to do in the future or thinking about what happened to you in the past. The present moments fly by without you really participating in them. To be present and real means to be fully focusing on what’s going on right here and right now. Great relationships are built on that idea and whether it’s Valentine’s day or not, it’s a terrific practice to get into.
4 ) Don’t Forget to Think Long-Term Love and Not Just Short-Term “wow”
Whether it’s a dating situation or long-term committed relationship or marriage, when you are thinking about a celebration of your love or of your relationship, keep in mind what would create and help foster continued
long-term love instead of going for the “wow” factor. To know the difference, you have to be in tune with how you and your partner like to celebrate–and everyone’s different so you have to pay attention and listen.
5 ) Don’t Forget that You’re Never too Young or Too Old for Love and Romance
Many people have a fixed age in their minds where love and romance are no longer possible. This age might be 40, 50, 60, or 80. We’re here to tell you that love is possible at any age. The trick to finding or renewing it is to recognize what ideas and beliefs have held you back or have sabotaged love in the past and change those habits. Anyone can change and at any age. It just takes a willingness and desire to do so and to take a chance on having something wonderful.
6 ) Don’t Forget About Nostalgia
Anyone want to bring out those old records or tapes of the music you used to listen to when you first fell in love and your romance was new? What a special way to celebrate your love and to renew those feelings of romance at the same time. You might go to a restaurant or park that you used to go to or do some activity together that used to make your hearts sing. Even if you are not currently in a relationship, you can resurrect things that used to be fun for you and have a mini-celebration of you.
(You can read more terrific things not to forget this Valentines day by clicking here.)