Are you afraid to climb aboard the SS Relation-ship? Many of us experience nausea, fear of rough seas, maintaining balance, and ultimately a fear of sinking. Yet we all want to sail through life cuddling with that one person who’ll cherish us into the sunset of our lives; that one person whom we know will have the life vest ready for us when we need it. This is why we take the leap from solid ground, for a ride on the mother of all cruises–partnership!

My apologies in advance for this shameless plug, but since my book, You Want Me to What?!—The Dating Adventures and Life Lessons of a Newly Divorced Woman is about the wacky, wonderful world of dating, I’m devoting the month of February to blogs about relationships.

Before deciding to sail away with someone, we must first go through the necessary process of dating: Meeting the guy with the hedge of hair growing out of his ears, the woman who had twenty more pounds and years on her than her picture; the guy who says on a first date that he’s looking for a wife to screw his brains out whenever he wants, or the woman who yelled at the guy for opening her car door. All true stories, all part of the adventure.

We must do a lot of sifting before finding the gem of a partner that is right for us. It can be quite tiring, stressful, and at times discouraging. They say aging isn’t for sissies; I say dating can be harder on the heart. Especially, on Valentine’s Day.

Valentine’s Day is supposed to be all about hearts, flowers and candy, oh my! But for many it’s tough. According to Retail Advertising and Marketing Association, 53% of women would end their relationship if they didn’t get something for Valentine’s Day! Can this be true? Regardless, I do think this day of increased sales for Sees, Florists and Hallmark, can be tough on couples—especially men. Will they measure up to expectations, or will they go too far? Suffice it to say, the yellow brick road to Diamond City (whether that is your ultimate destination or not), can be paved with many challenges.

These challenges may not be easy, but can be made simple:

Ladies:

• Do not expect a man to read your mind. If you don’t want chocolates, tell him. If you do, tell him.
• Don’t get caught up in the BS that if he really knew you, he’d know what you want. Men want to make women happy. Allow them to do that by telling them what you want! If they choose not to hear you, then you get to decide what to do next.
• There’s nothing wrong with surprising your man with something they want!

 Men:

• Listen and learn the ways in which she feels loved and appreciated.
• Show her so she feels you ‘get’ her!

 Women and men:

• All of the above is applicable to every day, not just Valentine’s Day.
• If you are not dating someone, treat yourself to something special on Valentine’s Day, because your relationship with yourself is the most important!

 Stay tuned for the next blog on how to ‘sift’ and get what you want! Also stay tuned for some exciting news next week!!

 Any thoughts on this you’d like to share?…(Click on Comments below!)