ValenTine's Day Special

[Guest guest]

1. Baby Steps

"How do I love thee?" you ask.

"What do relationships have to do with taking my life to the next level?"

The answer:

Everything!

This issue is about romance and relationship building for three reasons:

(1) The quality of your relationship with your spouse or significant other determines your success in business and life as much or more than any other factor;

(2) In order to maintain balance, this area of your life must be nurtured, too; and

(3) Did you really expect me to write about anything else, given that this newsletter is being sent to you on Valentine's Day?

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2. Feature Article: HOW DO I LOVE THEE?

Valentine's Day is a wonderful reminder of the need to be romantic--to do nice things for our partner.

But, unfortunately, it's just one day per year.

What if we extended Valentine's Day, if we kept the fire burning year-round?

What if we became romantic on purpose, and made it a "want to", instead of being driven by a special holiday?

For some of you, you're already doing these things, and I commend you for that.

Hopefully this article will provide an additional tip or two.

For others, this article will provide ideas to get you back on track.

Once you begin, you'll find that having a passionate, fun, exciting relationship is easier than you think.

And the outcome is awesome!

Here are a few suggestions.

All are easy to do, but they do require action.

If you work on making these a part of your life, your relationship will grow in leaps and bounds.

You will notice a difference immediately, and for as long as you choose to retain these habits in your life.

Say I love you at least once per day.

It is important for your partner to hear those words.

Even though your partner knows it intuitively, hearing it verbally, with heartfelt emotion, is like sweet music to ones ears.

Give small gifts, such as flowers, chocolates or a heart-shaped balloon.

The emphasis here is on thoughtfulness and creativity, not cost.

My children cut red and pink hearts out of construction paper, and glue them on white cards.

We can learn a lot from children.

When you're with your partner, be there.

Be present, and attentive.

Communicate.

For some, this comes very easily.

If this one's tough, then make it your highest priority.

Good communication is the primary reason for the success of relationships, and poor communication is the primary reason for the failure of relationships.

Make being together a higher priority.

Again, for some, this comes naturally.

For others, especially if you have children, this is more difficult.

Quality time to focus on your partner is extremely important.

Weekend getaways are great, but so is a night out, or even a couple hours during the day.

Hire a babysitter, or ask a friend to watch the children and return the favor another time.

Quality time together is important, and so is quantity.

Here are a couple additional things for men to try:

Ask about her day, then listen attentively for the response.

Women will want to give you details.

If possible, ask about specific events that you were aware of from the day, such as "How did your meeting with Client X go?" or "How was yourdoctor's appointment?"

Refrain from giving advice.

Unless they ask specifically, women don't want you to solve their problems.

Instead, just listen.

Empathize, and bite your tongue if you are tempted to provide a solution.

Notice changes.

Pay close attention for haircuts, new clothes and perfume.

Notice them, and compliment her.

This is huge!

And a couple things for women to try:

Understand that the three tips above are unnatural for men, and forgive him when he doesn't do them.

If your man forgets, it's not because he doesn't love you.

Be okay with short answers.

When you ask a man how his day went day, and he says "good", recognize that his answer was intended to be an efficient (and sufficient) response.

Move on.

Take the most valuable part of your life, your personal relationship, and make it more than you ever dreamed it could be!

If any of these ideas make a difference in your life, please share your story with us!

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3. Quotes

Love is the total commitment to the full development of the potential of the other.- W. Peck

Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage.- Lao Tzu

In the arithmetic of love, one plus one equals everything, and two minus one equals nothing.- Mignon McLaughlin

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