At this time of year when we ask couples what their plans are for Valentine’s Day, they frequently smirk and give us a strange look, announcing, “We do not celebrate Hallmark Holidays.” These same couples are in marriage counseling partly because they never see each other. They are victims of the times with young kids, both working, and “cannot find a sitter.” These couples do not celebrate their anniversaries or birthdays but go overboard in providing over the top parties for the kids. We often preach about the need for couple time (as well as personal time) and putting water in the reservoir. It may seem hokey, but taking time to show appreciation of one another is not giving in to commercialism. Flowers or dinner together on Valentine’s Day or your partner’s birthday is pausing and placing a bookmark in all together too busy lives. Pause and acknowledge one another and your relationship will benefit.

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