Chilly February brings thoughts of love with Valentine's Day smack in the middle of the month. Whether you're single, dating, or married, most women have big expectations for this holiday. The romantic stakes are high with hopes of jewelry, flowers, chocolate, or candlelight dinners. How did this get started and what can you do to ensure a happy Valentine's Day regardless of your relationship status?
Valentine's Day Dates Back to Ancient Rome.
To honor the queen of the Roman Gods, teenage boys randomly picked girls' names and were paired up for the entire length of the festival. Sometimes the matches resulted in marriage. Then, on February 14, 269 AD, a priest named Valentine was put to death for marrying these couples against the Roman Emperor's wishes. Three hundred years later, he was named the patron saint of lovers and the holiday was renamed St. Valentine's Day.
With time the custom shifted from pairing up to men expressing love for one woman through written verse and poems. This is how cards became the current tradition. Sorry ladies, we can't blame Hallmark for this one.
The Love Fest is Here to Stay
While some people love the sentimentality, others dread the sight of Cupid. But, since this holiday has been around for centuries, the question is: How can you make friends with Cupid? Below you'll discover four ways to feel the positive love of the season:
1) Expand Your Definition of Love
Everyone has love in their life if you expand the definition to include friends and family. Celebrate as if your life is brimming with love and share that spirit with people you encounter on the 14th (or any day.) Express appreciation to your family, send notes to old friends, cherish a neighbor, or give your dog some extra playtime. Use Valentine's Day to acknowledge all kinds of love.
2) Be Realistic about Your Romantic Expectations
If you're in a relationship, be realistic about the romance you expect and take ownership of what you want. Real life doesn't usually imitate a juicy novel. Be grateful for a single rose or two dozen. Appreciating your man's efforts and thoughtfulness will go along way with him. Or be direct and tell him nicely what would make you happy. But please don't remain silent hoping he guesses or think “he should know by now.
Treat your partner the way you want to be treated and do it for the simple pleasure it brings, rather than what you'll get in return. And remember, for a true expression of love, it's the thought that counts, not the price tag.
3) Reframe Envious Feelings into Positive EvidenceIf you're single and feeling envious of couples in love, reframe these feelings. Lift your thoughts to be happy for these people. They represent the positive evidence that love is still possible! Being happy for others helps you share in their good energy. It's like seeing the glass half-full vs. half-empty. The more couples you see in love, the more proof that you too can find a partner!
4) Treat Yourself to a Gift of LoveWhether you want a heart-shaped necklace or a heart-shaped box of chocolates, make your desire a reality. Purchase something marvelous and appreciate what a loving, wonderful person you are. You might also treat your best friend to flowers or candy to spread the appreciation around. Self-love is often the first step to finding a loving partner.
2,000 Year Old TraditionCupid wants you to feel loved and be happy. For nearly 2,000 years he's been bringing couples together with his symbolic bow and arrow. Make friends with Cupid and enjoy all the aspects of love in your life. Happy Valentine's Day!
http://www.singlescafe.net/make-friends-with-cupid.html?authorname=Ronnie%20Ann%20Ryan
