COMING SOON: VALENTINE'S DAY!

February is coming, and it will bring the day of love with it. Most of the lovers are already planning for the day. What gift to give, where to meet, what to do to make the day more romantic than any other day?

Why and how is Valentine's Day celebrated? No one quite knows, why it is celebrated, but it surely makes a big difference in life of lovers. This is the most important day for lovers. They all go mad in love on this day,and can think of nothing but how to please their beloved. It is recorded that business of jewelry takes a big jump during February. So does the business of flowers,candies and cards. Every other gift that can be thought of is bought across most of the countries of the world and is sent to the beloved.

What about others? Valentine's Day may be the most important day for those in love. What about others? Let us take a look at today's world. Wars, terrorism, fear, murders, and every other destruction that can disturb a peaceful life is the norm. Open a newspaper, watch news on television or read it on Internet, the disturbing news is getting predominance. It depresses the common person in the world. Isn't it? What does a common person think of the future of such a world? Can anyone be optimistic? Can anyone visualize of peace dawning around the world, countries co existing in peace with each other and no ethnic wars being fought anywhere?
What does one look forward to in such a world? I think that most of us have become so numb with disturbances, both man made and natural that we have stopped thinking of future. For a large majority it is "let us try to live peacefully today".

Valentine's Day and the world peace -With so much destruction going around,, shouldn't one welcome a day, when love reigns supreme? A day, when hatred and destruction takes back seat and one only thinks of love? What if we begin a new way of celebration? Begin sending love messages to our enemies. Begin talking of love and peace and try something that can reduce our conflicts with others? Why keep the day confined to romantic love. Take a step forward and make it a day to make every human being love another. Irrespective of race, nation, religion, etc. Break all the outer barriers and try to touch the heart of all we can? Can this be done? Let us at least think of Valentine's Day as a day, when all the hatred and enmity is forgotten and it is the song of love that is played around. Is that not a big contribution of this day? That is why it is so important.

Read the gift guide! Coming soon!

HOW TO KNOW IF YOUR LONG DISTANCE RELATIONSHIP IS WORKING

Anyone who has ever been involved in a long-distance relationship knows that distance only makes the heart grow fonder when distance is not the norm. However, it is not all bad and there are limitless things you can do to make a long-distance relationship both fulfilling and feel "normal." There are so many circumstances that cause people to be separated from their significant other, such as military deployment, relocation because of work or school, and the introduction of new relationships via social networking websites. Most of us have been involved in some kind of long-distance relationship with family, friends, and business associates, but undoubtedly, the hardest to maintain is a romantic long-distance relationship. As with any relationship, communication, trust, routine, surprise, and memories are important aspects that will keep the relationship fresh and healthy. I would like to give some ideas and pointers to making your long-distance relationship (or possibility of such a relationship) much more tolerable and (hopefully) enjoyable.


1. Ask yourself how much passion you feel for the other person. Do you eagerly anticipate visits, e-mail and phone calls? Or is making contact a chore?


2. Consider how much attention you give your partner. Do you return e-mail promptly? Do you call when you say you will?

3. Think about how your partner treats you. Is your partner putting as much effort into the relationship as you are? Do you feel cherished? Taken for granted? Neglected?

4. Consider how often you see each other. Do you visit as often as you can? If you frequently choose to spend your time and money on other priorities, you may need to question how important this relationship is to you.

5. Ask yourself whether you trust the other person. Do you feel suspicious about activities or friendships when you're apart? Trust is important in any relationship, but when you're far away, it's even more crucial.

6. Think about the way the two of you communicate. Are you honest and open with each other? Can you be yourselves when you're together? Do you share the day-to-day details of your lives?

7. Consider to what extent your lives are intertwined. Although you're bound to have separate social lives, it's a good sign if you know each other's new friends.

8. Be honest with yourself about why you're in this relationship. Are you motivated by a fear of being alone?

9. Consider your future plans. Do you discuss living in the same city in the future? Do you have a concrete strategy for achieving that?

10. Ask yourself whether your life apart from the other person is more interesting than being together. If so, it may be time to move on.

HOW TO MAKE A LONG DISTANCE RELATIONSHIP LAST

Whoever first said that absence makes the heart grow fonder never contended with the weekend airport rush. Here are some ways to hold on to your long-distance lover - and your sanity.


Step 1: Keep in touch daily. If large phone bills are a concern, send e-mail, letters, cards and even faxes.


Step 2: Plan reunions to keep both of you pleased about the relationship. If your partner needs closeness, set up plans to meet often. Having a phone-date to look forward to can help you through the rough times.

Step 3: Reaffirm your love and commitment to one another. Try not to assume that the relationship is thriving. Listen to your partner's concerns and communicate your own before they become bigger problems.

Step 4: Keep your partner informed about your life. You may live separately, but sharing information about your activities and friends is still important.

Step 5: Trust in one another. Suspicion will only break the relationship down.

Step 6: Keep the relationship a high priority. Avoid canceling phone-dates or forgetting to make a phone call.

Step 7: Focus on the future. Make plans to live in the same city eventually.