Valentine's Day is almost here

Valentine's Day 2016 is round the corner.

As is usual for this time of the year, we are inundated with constant messaging  on how & where to celebrate love this special day, and equally, a counter-pressure to not fall prey to these marketing tactics.

Whatever your views about celebrating relationships on a specific date, it is still a great time to remind ourselves of some basic goals which are key to any loving relationship:

If you look at these goals closely, it then dawns on us how much work this is. It really is hard work building and keeping trust, to plan and have time together, and to communicate and listen. Phew. 

It is the truth - all relationships take work. It takes work to find someone, love them through the ups and downs, and even - when needed - to let it go. The reward for all that hard work is not only a relationship with someone that you can cherish, but also a closer relationship with yourself, a deeper understanding of your own needs, values and desires.

Perhaps that is the true message of days like Valentine's Day - to recognize how much work we are putting into relationships, and that we need to celebrate it. 

Whether we are in a relationship with somebody currently or not, let's celebrate this Valentine's Day as a recognition of how hard we work at our relationships. 

Happy Valentine's Day! Here's to loving ourselves a lot more!