Many people look forward to Valentine’s Day. They love the hearts and roses and all the romance, but others just feel unnecessary stress related to this holiday. They worry over finding the right gift, planning the perfect date, or creating a Valentine’s Day experience that looks good on social media. If you’re worrying about how to handle Valentine’s Day this year, may we recommend doing things a little differently? Instead of focusing on the holiday, refocus your Valentine’s Day plans on things that can improve your relationship on February 14th and all year long. In this blog, the Cedar Counseling & Wellness team is going to review some therapist-approved Valentine’s Day plans and presents that will nourish and grow your romantic partnership in 2022. Don’t forget, if you need some extra support, we’re here for you with therapy for couples and relationships.
Quality Time Is a Quality Gift
Finding the right gift is one of the many things associated with Valentine’s Day that comes with a lot of extra pressure. Instead of putting unnecessary stress on finding the perfect gift for your loved one this Valentine’s Day, consider giving each other the gift of quality time instead. Whether you want to spend a few hours together with devices powered down on Valentine’s Day or you want to make a promise to spend more quality time together throughout the year, you’ll be surprised just how much committing to spend more time together can improve your relationship. Increasing quality time spent together has been shown to improve communication, decrease fighting, diminish stress, and strengthen commitment and intimacy bonds.
Start a New Tradition
Take a few moments to think of some of your favorite holiday traditions. Most of us think of things like sharing meals with loved ones, decorating our homes, or attending specific events. Holiday traditions are a great way to strengthen the bonds between loved ones. These traditions create positive memories and give us something to look forward to year after year. By creating a Valentine’s Day tradition with your loved one, you’ll have something to look forward to each year. It doesn’t need to be anything elaborate. Maybe you’ll make your favorite meal together or write each other a letter. Whatever makes sense for your partnership.
Build Love Maps
Dr. John Gottman, renowned marriage researcher, introduced the concept of Love Maps as a way of developing a greater understanding of your partner and their inner world. We are able to successfully build Love Maps as we ask open-ended questions with curiosity and non-judgment. These intimate discussions facilitate emotional connection and vulnerability. If you’re having a hard time knowing what questions to ask, consider the Gottman’s book Eight Dates: Essential Conversations for a Lifetime of Love.
Talk to a Professional
Finally, if you can’t find a way or the words to work through trouble in your relationship or you simply want to strengthen an already solid partnership, the knowledgeable therapists at Cedar Counseling & Wellness are here for you. We offer relationship and couples counseling services in our Annapolis practice. If you’re interested in learning more, don’t hesitate to reach out. We look forward to hearing from you.
