The holidays and New Year’s have barely just ended, and it’s already time to start thinking about planning another ‘perfect day.’
Every year, Valentine’s Day strikes anxiety into the hearts of couples everywhere, both new and old. Putting so much pressure on one day to be perfect for your partner can result in hurt feelings, dissatisfaction, or even an argument. As such, Valentine’s Day has become something that many people dread, rather than look forward to. However, this doesn’t need to be the case! We’re sharing a few ways to help face and overcome the stress of Valentine’s Day.
• Be kind to yourself. Eat your favorite foods and buy yourself something special. That way you don’t have to put so much emphasis on your expectations about what someone else might do.
• Create some mystery such as leaving a secret message in the morning, besides your partner’s toothbrush. Or, leave a chocolate kiss at the breakfast table.
• Avoid “love” triggers such as romantic movies. The pressure is silly and can lead to disappointment. Instead, schedule to watch a funny movie or sink your teeth into a classic film that you’ve always wanted to watch.
• Make plans to go for a hike together and take a picnic with hot chocolate and a thermos of homemade chicken noodle soup.
• Brighten someone else’s day, like your single neighbor, or a friend who recently separated or divorced. Take them a gift basket with herbal teas and some home-baked cookies. Doing something nice for someone else will make you feel great about sharing the love.
Valentine’s Day can be a wonderful time if you are in love or in a relationship. But, if you aren’t, it can be an equally wonderful day to share the love with others.
Good luck!
