A Valentine"s Day Survival Guide
Valentine's Day is coming! Flowers will be ordered, candy will be bought, poems will be written, people will exchange tokens of love and more! It's a good thing, right? Well, for many people, Valentine's Day can be a letdown.
Your partner may not be as enthusiastic about it as you are.
Or, if you're single, it can intensify your loneliness to watch couples enjoying themselves.
If Valentine's Day is something you endure instead of enjoy, here are some tips: 1.
Be realistic.
Men and women can have different ideas about what makes for a romantic Valentine's Day.
If you expect a room full of roses and champagne kisses, but your main man is satisfied eating chicken wings together and watching TV, you'll be disappointed.
Set realistic expectations, and shift your focus to what you would like to do for your partner.
2.
Speak up.
Let your partner know how you feel about Valentine's Day and plan something together that will make you both happy.
Although some people think it's not romantic if you have to talk about it, planning something together can be fun, reduce the chance for major disappointment and still leave room for surprises! And if you're single: 3.
Be proactive.
You may find it difficult to avoid feeling alone when so many people are celebrating being together.
Use this time instead to clarify what you want in a partner.
Make a list of qualities you like, and those you'd like to avoid.
Think of activities you can do to start meeting people.
Many singles feel better when they become proactive about finding someone special.
4.
Treat yourself.
One of the nice things about Valentine's Day is being treated well by someone you care about.
You can do that for yourself! Get a massage or other special treatment.
Buy yourself flowers.
Make a nice dinner.
Write yourself a card with the things you think are special about you.
5.
Buddy up.
Find friends with whom you enjoy spending time and plan a meal or activity together.
It doesn't have to have a Valentine's theme.
Share what you appreciate about one another.
You'll find that the giving and receiving those positive sentiments feels very, very good.
And don't forget ...
our expectations about Valentine's Day - and relationships in general - are influenced by many sources, such as television, movies, magazines and stories we hear from friends and family.
Maintaining a realistic perspective, communicating what you'd like, being proactive, treating yourself well and spending time with others can help you enjoy Valentine's Day ...
and beyond.
Your partner may not be as enthusiastic about it as you are.
Or, if you're single, it can intensify your loneliness to watch couples enjoying themselves.
If Valentine's Day is something you endure instead of enjoy, here are some tips: 1.
Be realistic.
Men and women can have different ideas about what makes for a romantic Valentine's Day.
If you expect a room full of roses and champagne kisses, but your main man is satisfied eating chicken wings together and watching TV, you'll be disappointed.
Set realistic expectations, and shift your focus to what you would like to do for your partner.
2.
Speak up.
Let your partner know how you feel about Valentine's Day and plan something together that will make you both happy.
Although some people think it's not romantic if you have to talk about it, planning something together can be fun, reduce the chance for major disappointment and still leave room for surprises! And if you're single: 3.
Be proactive.
You may find it difficult to avoid feeling alone when so many people are celebrating being together.
Use this time instead to clarify what you want in a partner.
Make a list of qualities you like, and those you'd like to avoid.
Think of activities you can do to start meeting people.
Many singles feel better when they become proactive about finding someone special.
4.
Treat yourself.
One of the nice things about Valentine's Day is being treated well by someone you care about.
You can do that for yourself! Get a massage or other special treatment.
Buy yourself flowers.
Make a nice dinner.
Write yourself a card with the things you think are special about you.
5.
Buddy up.
Find friends with whom you enjoy spending time and plan a meal or activity together.
It doesn't have to have a Valentine's theme.
Share what you appreciate about one another.
You'll find that the giving and receiving those positive sentiments feels very, very good.
And don't forget ...
our expectations about Valentine's Day - and relationships in general - are influenced by many sources, such as television, movies, magazines and stories we hear from friends and family.
Maintaining a realistic perspective, communicating what you'd like, being proactive, treating yourself well and spending time with others can help you enjoy Valentine's Day ...
and beyond.
