Valentine’s Day is Over: Now What? How to Keep Love Alive 365 days, not just 1!

In the past week, several of my clients, both individual and couples, have asked or said:

“Why is Valentine’s Day only one day in the year?”
“I don’t believe in celebrating Valentine’s Day because it should be year round”
“I like feeling special, but I would trade one day for more consistency”

As a relationship expert, I support a special day to honor the love between people; however, for a long term love relationship (LTLR), you must display positive love behaviors on a consistent basis throughout the year.
Here are some quick tips for making the love last 365 days!
1. Take time to understand your personal needs (self-intimacy), and those of your partner

2. Prioritize WE time, but enjoy time apart as well
3. Speak your truth – “say what you mean and mean what you say”
4. Keep your promises
5. Leave petty/small arguments exactly that, small
6. Communicate concerns without blaming your partner
7. Resist defending yourself when concerns are raised; listen with the intent to be influenced
8. Increase variety – do something different to spice things up
9. Show appreciation for what your partner contributes to the relationship,
10. Be forgiving – you both will make mistakes, learn from them