Wow, can you believe Valentine’s Day is right around the corner?

It probably feels like you are still recovering from the holidays and now are faced with Valentine’s Day.

At Valenti International, we basically try to make every day Valentine’s Day. We are focused on helping you find and maintain fulfilling relationships.

But Valenti International is not only about matchmaking. We are dedicated to helping individuals improve other relationships for which they seek support.

Whether single or coupled, Valentine’s Day can be challenging because we build up so many expectations. The media can also intensify our anxiety and expectations regarding this holiday by inundating us with images of happy couples, with romantic commercials for engagement rings, or anniversary diamonds, and advertisements for romantic getaways. Unrealistic images can create anxiety or add to feelings of loneliness or sadness. You may start to feel like every one seems to be in a happy, wonderful relationship except you!

So, how do we navigate through such holidays and events gracefully and even happily? First of all, you are not alone! Everyone has a lifetime history of holidays and Valentine’s Day stories, some great and some not so great. Secondly, one perspective that is important to remember is…. It is very easy to compare your insides to other people’s outsides. What does that mean? Well, basically, on the outside, everyone looks like they are doing great, they are happy, they make life look so easy, they look like they are living the commercials. As a matter of fact, many probably look at you the same way. Of course, you know how you feel inside and it feels hard some times. Well, on the inside, many are putting in great efforts just like you are, and it’s not as easy as it looks. The truth is, you never really know how some one else is feeling on the inside unless you know them well and talk about it.

The next series of blogs will address exactly what is illustrated above, how to manage your own expectations so you can feel more satisfied and how to understand and communicate feelings with those close to you.

Surviving the Holidays Gracefully: Keeping Balance

Many of our conversations at Valenti International focus on how to take care of yourself during the holidays.

One tip is to make sure to maintain some of your usual routine; we find comfort in the familiar. So, make sure you are still working out regularly, sleeping and eating well. Keep that weekly brunch with your friend, go to book club, meet your trainer or work out buddy at the gym, read the sports page…

If you don’t typically have time for yourself throughout the year and you find yourself running around wondering where the time went; this is a good time to make sure you create a few minutes of calm time. Of course you are thinking, “This is the busiest time of year, how am I supposed to do that?” Great question for next week’s blog.

Surviving the Holiday Season

Well, the holidays are all around us now, the season has arrived. The team at Valenti International receives a lot of calls this time of year, from individuals seeking guidance and assistance regarding how to survive the holidays.

Though this may be a challenging time of year for many, the first step to survival is perspective. This is a great time of reflection and for counting your blessings. Reach out to your loved ones, send cards, make calls, accept that invitation to the party next week. Embrace the joy of the season, focus on what you have rather than what you don’t have; appreciate the fullness of your life.

Of course, another survival tip: keep balance, take care of yourself. Tune in next week for tips on how to do that!