To My Valentine... Inspiration for the Sweet Holiday

by Marianne Puechl, co-founder / RainbowWeddingNetwork.com

Some of the best gay & lesbian relationships are built on elemental cornerstones; eternal ideals that can be simplified down to the very basic.  Keeping them in mind for the upcoming holiday of romance, as well as year-round, will serve to maintain a partnership that is dynamic, tender and fulfilling.

“I will pour more into my love than I expect to get out of it...”  Finding tender ways to enhance day-to-day interactions with your partner will multiply and ultimately reflect back to you, almost magically.  Begin making it a habit to ask yourself every morning what you can do that day to make life a little sweeter for your special someone.

“I will remember to let go...”  Remember, in grade school, when you and your friends would argue there would be just an hour or perhaps a day gone by and the anger was completely forgotten?  Allow yourself to recapture that childhood talent.  Let any grudges or frustrations you have concerning your relationship or your partner’s eccentricities simply slip away.   -The release will truly make you healthier.  How to do it??  Keep in my mind that, at the heart of it all, you love and trust and respect your partner:  that's at the foundation.

“My partner has a different style than I do…”  Every individual is wired with different ways to tap into strong emotions.  Find out what most captures your lover’s attention:   Does he need to hear, verbally, that you’re committed for life?  Does she need to be showered with little gifts every so often?  Does he need physical closeness when you express your love?  Does she need you to share time discussing her goals or plans, so that she is reassured of your devotion and genuine interest?  Also be sure that you communicate your own needs when it comes to displaying intimacy:  your relationship deserves your honesty and clarity!

“My partnership is dynamic…”  Try not to regret the fact that those first sparks of newly-found love are no longer at the heart of your relationship.  Over time, the bond you create will mature and deepen – it’s only natural.  But that doesn’t mean your love is any less passionate!  In fact, the wonders of a long-term commitment are highlighted with facets such as Understanding, Shared Vision, Interconnection and oftentimes Heartfelt Awe as you witness one another grow through the years.

“Every day is a new beginning…”  An optimistic outlook always does wonders!  Remember that any given moment is a chance for a fresh start, on both a small and large scale.  As human beings, we have the potential to enact personal change within an instant; keeping this in mind as much as possible will serve to lighten your relationship.  That, in turn, will accent the romance and the joy you share together!

“Remember Valentine’s…”  The idea of a love note may seem silly, especially after you’ve been married for several years.  But sometimes it is those simple little displays of affection that really touch our hearts most of all.  Allow the familiar traditions to inspire you:  a box of chocolates, rose petals in the bedroom, a recited poem over dinner, a love song and secret dance in the darkness…  Sometimes these small gestures are truly the most meaningful of all.

It will never change:  creating a fulfilling and lasting relationship is solely your own responsibility.  It is also one of your great joys… and in the eyes of friends and family it may be one of your great gifts to the world.  Love inspires.  Passion transforms.  Allow your partnership to thrive, wholeheartedly.  Nourish the connection you share with your partner and it, in turn, will utterly nourish you.