M. G. Lorraine offers insight for Valentine's Day

When you contemplate the joy and pain of love, you may also think about the perfect way to say it, and the anticipation of the response, the quest for a mate or companionship as more than just a lover, remember that you, too, have an obligation to be not just the giver of love but the receiver. If you were lucky enough to be chosen as "the one", aim to continuously grow in a way that allows you to be the worthy recipient of being loved. Meaning, don’t make this the only day that you choose to make sure that your intended recipient knows of your love, dedication, loyalty and affirmation, but rather that it is your journey to make sure they feel valued, respected, loved, and cherished every day.

True, enduring, long-term love takes more than tokens of affection. It takes continuous work, effort, communication, a little compromise, and a realistic, but loving perspective of each other. It requires two committed people to give and take, to open their hearts, and to forge a bond of friendship and companionship that has the possibilities of forever.

As an author of romantic suspense, I look for those opportunities to celebrate love in characters and in stories. I look for the opening of hearts through grief and strife, and to create opportunities of enduring love between characters, which may have the opportunity to find roots and grow. Only then can a character survive the ups and downs of a true partnership to make the relationship work.

Today, you should treasure the characters in your life story that offer you this give and take. Find a moment to reach out with gratitude to each of these loved ones and celebrate love, friendship, and companionship.

Valentine’s Day can be a great day or a rough day for some. Maybe your partner knows you and gets you the perfect gift or you could be the one who plans everything. Maybe you are single or just don’t celebrate the holiday. Whatever the case, you can still find a gift that works for you, a friend, a partner, or a family member.  

If you or someone you are buying for likes chocolate, you may check out this bag of chocolates.

If you like personalized items or cozy blankets, check out these options.

Maybe you want some help planning a date night,

if so, look at this date game

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For the fun satirical heart, here are some fun anti-Valentine's day items.

Until next time,