“ Marriage is not a ritual or an end. It is a long, intricate, intimate dance together and nothing matters more than your own sense of balance and your choice of partner. "

~ Amy Bloom

The Truth about Valentine's Day

From the High Price Saint Valentine Paid ... to the High Prices Americans Pay Today.

Legend has it that Saint Valentine was executed because he was secretly marrying couples in the Roman Empire when marriage was outlawed. Saint Valentine paid the ultimate price of his life for his passionate principles of true love and marriage. According to the latest survey conducted for the National Retail Federation, Americans paid the high price of $12.79 billion in 2004 for the holiday honoring this very saint. A fair comparison? You be the judge. In marriage there are many costs, but this Valentine’s Day try to focus on love. Here are some websites that might help during this holiday season.

• Romantic Ideas and Things to Do for Valentine's Day
• Inexpensive Valentine Ideas from Brilliant Wedding Pages
• Romantic Ideas for Valentine's Day from About.com
• Classic, humorous, cute and Romantic E-cards from Hallmark
  

True Love Stories from Near and Far

“The Campbell’s met as students at Campbell University where they both sang in the touring choir. After a performance in the Duke Gardens, she fell in love with him and proposed. He says that she begged. Bill said yes and two years later they were married. They have moved 23 times in 42 years of marriage. They have 3 children, 3 grandchildren, and 2 great-grandchildren. Their tip for marriage “ Give of yourself. Take on the servant role and you will forever be happy. Stay in love; go on dates; respect each other.”

This story is from the Family Life Council’s “Love For Life Awards” held in 2004. You can find more stories in the Resource Library at Family Life Council.

“One of my worst Valentine's Day turned into my most memorable. My husband & I were homeless & broke. We were driving to a new job in Dallas,Tx. Nerves on edge we had fought all day long. It had gotten so bad neither of us were speaking anymore. The sun went down & after a remarkably beautiful sunset there was a full moon. Instead of enjoying it, it just made me feel more alone. Suddenly George Jones came on the radio with "He Stopped Loving Her Today". As the tears welled up in my eyes I turned towards the window so he couldn't see me cry. Then out of nowhere Doug said; ‘I don't know what I'd do if I lost you now. I'm so sorry. I love you.’ All the little romantic gifts I've long forgotten. But I'll never forget that & after 20 yrs. whenever things get bad I still draw on the love I felt at that moment. For the first time in my life I knew love could survive even the worst of times. —Sylvia McClelland-Morrison, Ashland, Ky.”

This story was one of the many stories you can find at http://msnbc.msn.com/id/6947749/.

• Valentine’s Day isn’t just for couples. Also try thinking of best friends or children to include in your Valentine’s Day celebrations, cards and phone calls.
• From the U.S. Census Bureau
  Typically, 60% of all Valentine’s Day cards are purchased in the six days prior to the observance, making Valentine’s Day a procrastinator’s delight. So if you are planning something special make sure to plan ahead, especially if you are planning to eat out.
• For every 100 single women in their 20s there are 120 single men, but for every 100 single women 65 years of age or older there are only 33 single men. For more information about Family Life’s Council’s “How Not to Marry a Jerk” workshop please contact Rebecca Starnes at the Family Life Council.
  

February is Guilford County Marriage Month and couples are encouraged to spend time focusing not only on the flowers and candy of Valentine’s Day, but also on rejuvenating and nourishing marriages. Although the stresses of daily life can easily overtake us, it is important for couples to be intentional about cultivating romance in their relationship. Robert Billingham, Associate Professor of Applied Health Science at Indiana University Bloomington, offers insight on keeping romance alive for married couples. He points out:

• It takes work to keep romance alive in marriage
• It is important to make time for romance in your marriage on a regular basis
• It is valuable to model the importance of marriage to your children

To read the entire article click here: http://www.mydna.com/resources/news/news_20050210_romancenotl.htm

For information about Marriage Enrichment opportunities in Guilford County, visit our website at www.gcmarriage.org or contact Rebecca Starnes at the Family Life Council.