So what’s the hype? All the stores are riddled with candy, cards, stuffed animals and the like all with hearts and cute sayings. Do they really have a purpose on the shelves and in our lives? Or is there something else that means more by Valentine’s Day presence in our calendar?

Looking at recent years, 2006 brought with it an estimated $14 billion spent on gifts and goodies; 2005 spending approached $13 billion and 2004 at approximately $10-11 billion in sales. It is expected that every consumer will spend approximately $110 in gifts, cards and the like this year. After taking a quick peek at the financial impact this holiday has, have you thought about the marketing costs for companies which only adds to the total dollar spent for this holiday that comes and goes with each passing year. (www.census.gov)

Valentine’s Day has many myths and legends that account for it’s creation in the very early AD years. The history of Valentine’s Day can be found and read on my myspace page. I have always found much enjoyment in learning about the holidays to which we celebrate. This holiday has a particular place in my heart as I can recall being a young child, watching in amazement at the lengths that were traveled to ensure that couples everywhere bestowed in the active celebrations. Dinners for two, flowers, cards, and moments shared alone.

It seems to me that so much emphasis is placed upon one day a year, with thousands even taking the plunge into marriage on the ‘day of love,’ instead of living their lives as though each day was Valentine’s Day. Love and relationships can be quite tricky. There are so many layers to relationships and finding the ‘middle ground’ between two individuals and their hopes, desires and needs can prove to be even more difficult.

As relationships progress, more often than not, the spark seems to fade away by the everyday tasks and issues that have to be handled. It is a rarity in this day and age to see a couple that has been married for 20+ years, let alone someone who reaches the golden anniversary. It has been so easy for people to turn and walk away from relationships because the struggles are too much for the individuals to bear. What would be the impact if couples were to live every day as though it were Valentine’s Day?

The greatest part about Valentine’s Day is couples sharing time together just to be with one another. By taking the time to share all aspects of their lives there seems to be a renewed spark between couples, but all too quickly fades as they return back the the same way they have been living and sharing their relationship.

By taking the time to live each day with your spouse, significant other, boyfriend/girlfriend, etc as though everyday was Valentine’s Day, you are setting yourself up for a relationship that can stand the test of time. Some of the greatest couples I know spend their lives just like this. Every day they are together is a Valentine’s Day and they share their love so openly and freely with one another. Their communication is phenomenal which only aids in their quest to remain a couple until “death do them part.”

For me, Valentine’s Day is just that – a reminder to focus on my relationship as though tomorrow is my last day and today is Valentine’s Day. No matter the length of time that we spend together, it is up to us to make sure that the time we share with someone in our life is spectacular.