Crazy Little Thing Called Love

As most of you know, Valentines Day aka "Singles awareness day" is approaching! Guys it's THIS TUESDAY for those of you who lose track of time. On February 14th, couples across the world will celebrate the spirit of love, singles will flock together and grieve to each other over chocolate, Chinese, or buckets of ice cream, and others will disregard the holiday altogether. Hundreds of thousands of dollars will be spent on flowers, jewelry, cards, and candy. Some couples will tell their significant other they love them for the first time, boyfriends will propose to the girl of their dreams, some husbands will show a much needed act of love to their wives, and perhaps an old flame will rekindle.

Love is always an interesting topic to discuss because it is constantly changing. Some of you may be living a perfect fairy tale, others may be singles advocates, and some of you may be unsure about where you stand with that certain someone. As for me, I spent last Valentines Day in the Hills of Italy's wine country happily single. This year will be a much different scenery back in the states! But enough about me. This holiday has been criticized my many as commercialized and materialistic. While I don't have the best taste in my mouth about love at this point in my life, I do see many benefits to participating in Valentines Day.

Wondering what all the fuss is about? Why celebrate Valentines Day? For one, everyone wants and NEEDS to be loved. While many of you can be perfectly content with a simple relationship status, (boyfriend/girlfriend/married, etc.) it is always nice to hear those three words that reassure others of your feelings. It is always warming to see random acts of kindness and giving to show that you took the time out of your day to do something meaningful for someone else. 

BOYS...suck up your pride and do something spontaneous and sweet. Don't take a good woman for granted. Someday, someone will come along and appreciate what you didn't. Your girl may tell you that she doesn't need flowers and all that and that's perfectly fine...but get out of your element and show her how much you care. Valentines Day doesn't mean spend a lot of money. In fact, some of the most romantic gestures don't cost much at all! Take her on a picnic, make a homemade card, write her a letter of your most favorite memories together...the less materialistic and more thoughtful, the better! ONE DAY OUT OF THE YEAR do something that says "I'm your man and I can be romantic, too!"

GIRLS...don't expect too much. Mom always said expect the worst, and hope for the best. Movies like "The Notebook" and "The Vow" are setting unrealistic expectations for men these days. If your man remembers this special day, that in itself is a miracle! Be grateful that you have someone special to share it with and cherish it!

SINGLES...just remember this..."Saying you'll never love again is like saying you'll never smile again. As much as you don't want to do it eventually someone will come along and make you." Don't be that person that wears all black and and complains to everyone about your miserable love life. Just keep your head up and know that good things are coming to you.

So grab your husband/boyfriend/girlfriend/friends and celebrate this day of appreciation of love and friendship :) If you have been holding back your feelings for someone, don't. Use this day as an excuse to be bold and open up completely. If you have been taking your significant other for granted, stop. Tell them how much they mean to you, and remind them of the reason you fell in love in the first place. If you are fighting to make a mediocre relationship work, maybe it's time for you to align your reality with your worthiness. And if you're lonely, surround yourself with good friends, and love yourself whole heartily...you have to love yourself before anyone else can!