St. Valentine’s Day is much maligned now-a-days and with good reason. The cheesy sentimentalism and over-the-top commercialism that we experience can leave us with a sugar headache. The pressure to create romantic experiences that are meant to impress can drain the meaning of this special day.
St. Valentine’s Day dates to ancient times in Rome where the festival of Lupercalia was celebrated. It was a celebration of purification and fertility.
Well, as queenagers, we are most definitely not interested in either, but we are interested in rediscovering the romantic energy with our partners.
This day can provide us with an opportunity for connection with our loved one.
Start with the goal in mind. What does St. Valentine’s Day mean to you and your partner? It is important to get on the same page.
This is a chance for communication and to strengthen your relationship.
Your partner is not going to become a different person on St. Valentine’s Day and if you hope to take this occasion to connect with your partner, let it be known ahead of time. Plan it around something you both enjoy and around an activity that will maximize your connection.
Stay focused on the relationship rather than the cultural atmosphere that has created out-of-control expectations. These expectations beget pressure and the true specialness of the occasion can get lost in a sense of obligation rather than mindful enjoyment.
Here is the real invitation for this day: Make it a year-round thing.
Use this opportunity very much like a New Year’s resolution, but for your relationship.
Use the day to plan your goals which can include:
- A weekly or bi-monthly date night.
- New experiences: Whether it is travel or dance lessons or a cooking class, enjoy discovering together.
- Time spent looking at photos and remember your story. How did you fall in love? What do you know now that you wish you knew when you first got together? How do you plan to spend the next 25 years while keeping the love alive?
- Plan some new rituals to practice with your partner in order to strengthen your relationship. Perhaps it’s a hug-a-day!
Creating a new tradition for your St. Valentine’s Day can be the very best part of this year. So celebrate your love and create an even stronger connection with your partner.
After all love is in the air.
