Relationship Tips: How to Turn Your Valentine's Day Blues to Bliss by Krista Bloom, Ph.D.

For many people, Valentine's Day is dreadful. Some people call it V-Day, as in D-Day! Maybe you think it's a commercialized holiday where retailers do their best to part you from your money.

Perhaps you are bitter on Valentine's Day because of a breakup; thus the term "the Valentine's Day Blues". There are many ways to fuel your Valentine's Day Blues.

On the other hand, maybe you are a hopeless romantic who looks for every opportunity to express your love. This can cause a condition I call "Valentine's Day Bliss". Will you choose blues or bliss?

How to give yourself a case of the Valentine's Day Blues:

Blues for Singles:

* Go to an "I hate Valentine's Day Party" * Get angry at all those red heart-shaped cellophane boxes of candy * Play your last favorite love song and regret your last heartbreak

Blues for Partners: * Refuse to buy a card or gift because you are boycotting Valentine's Day * Forget the holiday altogether and pretend it never happened * Buy gifts and then complain how commercial the holiday is.

Here's an alternative!

Bliss for Singles:

* Attend a Valentine's Day event with friends; be a successful single! * Buy or do something special for yourself that you want (romance yourself!) * Spend time with your other single friends, doing activities you find incredibly enjoyable.

Bliss for Partners:

* Plan for a sexy adventurous date together: One idea is fondue dinner for two! Feed each other and end with some chocolate-dipped strawberries and champagne. It's a win-win romantic date! * Let your partner know with a card or letter the things you most appreciate about them! * Plan a date you would both enjoy, such as a concert or boat ride. If you can't think of a romantic date, search for "romantic ideas" online.

As with most things in life, how much you enjoy Valentine's Day is directly related to your attitude. Whether you are single, or in a relationship, if you plan to be miserable, you probably will. On the other hand, if you plan to have fun, then you probably will.

Instead of hating Valentine's Day, make a choice to have fun. If you are single, concentrate on having fun with yourself and your friends. If you decide to go out and do something interesting, maybe you will meet someone great who shares your interests. If you are in a couple, Valentine's Day is a reason to express your love and desire for each other, to be silly, and hopeless romantics.

If you are unsure what your partner expects or how they would like to spend Valentine's Day, why not ask them? You can start your own traditions, if the traditional candy and flowers doesn't work for you.

Avoid coming down with a case of the Valentine's Day Blues. Love and appreciate your partner every day, including Valentine's Day. Let bygones be bygones so you can have a happy relationship!

Most likely, your partner will appreciate and reciprocate this effort, and you can enjoy greater relationship satisfaction. Take every opportunity give and receive love. Now that's bliss.

About the Author

Krista Bloom, Ph.D. is a dynamic speaker and relationship expert who empowers inspires you to be your personal and professional best for over 15 years. Check out her new book, The Ultimate Compatibility Quiz: Finding the Green, Red, and Black Flags in Your Relationship. Krista has been invited to share her expertise on an international level, on TV, radio, and in print such as Cosmo.