Special Ways to Celebrate Valentine’s Day

February 14th marks Valentine’s Day, celebrated around the globe as the most romantic day of the year.  The date has a lot of history and is believed to have begun as an annual feast day in honour of three different Saint Valentines who happened to be martyred on the same day.  The tradition of sending Valentine’s Day cards is thought to have been created by the most famous St. Valentine, of Rome, who wrote a letter to his secret lover signed ‘your Valentine’ after he was imprisoned for performing illegal weddings for soldiers and Christians.

The popularity of Valentine’s Day has decreased somewhat over the past decade or so, with many people complaining that the day has become too commercialised and focuses too much on buying the most expensive or lavish gift you can to impress your significant other.  It’s for this reason that many people now refuse to even acknowledge the day.

However, it’s a shame to ignore a day that celebrates and honours love and romance just because you don’t want to spend a lot of money on it. There are still many ways you can celebrate the day, whether you’re in a relationship or flying solo, without breaking the bank. Here are our ideas for special, thoughtful ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day.

Start the day right with a good breakfast

We all know that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, so get your Valentine’s Day off to a good start by making the first meal special. If you’re married, live with your partner, or just stayed the night, why not show them how much you appreciate them with a delicious breakfast in bed? Wake up a little earlier, let them have a lie in, and make them their favourite meal.

If you’re single, there’s no reason to miss out, so why not treat yourself? You could spend the morning whipping up your favourite meal to enjoy, or you could go to your favourite breakfast spot and really indulge yourself.

Give homemade cards and gifts

Valentine’s Day gifts don’t have to be expensive, and your special somebody would probably really appreciate the thought and care that went into something homemade. A homemade present could be anything from a mix tape of all of the songs that remind you of them, to a photo album or frame full of pictures of the two of you. To make it even more special you could also give them a cute handmade card, including a long message telling them how much they mean to you and why you love them.

Visit a favourite spot together

Why not forego the gifts altogether, and instead go on a trip together to somewhere that is special to you both. It could be anywhere from the place you first met; the first place you travelled together; or simply somewhere you’ve both always wanted to go.

Give them your full attention

Turn off the TV and put down your phone this Valentine’s Day, and give your partner your full attention. We’re all so busy with jobs, kids, and other responsibilities, that our we can often take our partners for granted. Valentine’s Day is the perfect day to get rid of the distractions and give your partner the attention they deserve. Cook a delicious dinner together and enjoy it by candlelight, and spend time simply talking and reminiscing about your favourite memories, and enjoying each other’s company.

Take time for yourself

If you’re single, give yourself some extra love and self-care this Valentine’s Day. Our most important relationship is with ourselves, so put yourself first for the day and really show yourself some love and appreciation. Treat yourself to a pampering session; run a bubble bath and spend as long as you want soaking in the tub. Then, spend some time doing something you really love; read your favourite book, or watch your favourite movie. Just a few hours to yourself to completely relax is the perfect way to treat yourself!

Have a love tarot or a psychic reading!

Maybe you’re single and want to know if there’s love on the horizon, or you’re in a relationship and are curious to see where it is going; whatever your current relationship status, why not have a love reading this Valentine’s Day? Speaking to a psychic can you give insight and clarity into your romantic life, and help you see what’s in store for you.

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What Does The Year of the Dog Bring?

What is Lunar New Year?

Lunar New Year, also known as Chinese New Year and Spring Festival, is the most important holiday of the year in several Asian countries including China, Vietnam, and Korea. The holiday has no fixed date as it depends on the lunar calendar, but always falls somewhere between January 20th and February 21st. This year, it will be celebrated on Friday 16th February. The official holiday is celebrated over two or three days, but the events often carry on for 15 days, finally ending with the Festival of Lanterns.

The Chinese Zodiac

The Chinese Zodiac moves in a 12 year cycle, with a different animal representing each year; in order, they are the rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog and pig. There are many theories about the origin of the Chinese Zodiac, and there is one popular story in Chinese mythology that explains which animals were included, and in which order.

According to the legend, the Jade Emperor, the ruler of the Chinese gods,  hosted a great race that required the animals to cross a river. The first twelve animals to cross the finish line would be included in the calendar. As the Ox was used to crossing rivers, it was thought that he would win, and so it seemed, until at the very last minute the sneaky Rat who had been riding on his back jumped off and finished before him. The Ox came second, closely followed by the Tiger, and so they became the first three animals of the zodiac.

The Chinese believe that the year you are born indicates a lot about your personality, as you share the characteristics of the animal that represents it. People who share the same animal sign are believed to have very similar characters, even if born in different years.

The Year of the Dog

2018 is the Year of the Dog. The Dog is the eleventh animal in the Chinese zodiac, making 2018 the penultimate year in the 12 year cycle. Previous Dog years in recent history include 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, and 2006.

According to the story of the great race, the Dog was in another country helping a god fight evil spirits, along with the Monkey and the Rooster, when the race began. Once they had finished, they set off together and reached the Jade Emperor at the same time. He asked them which order they had met the other god, and put them in the same order. The Dog had reached the other god last, and so he became the 11th animal, followed by the Pig in last place.

Dogs are known as ‘man’s best friend’ for a reason; they are extremely loyal and reliable, and the same can be said for those born in the Year of the Dog. Those born in the Year of the Dog are usually kind, generous and very sincere, willing to do anything for those they care about. They have good natures and are very honest, but can often find it difficult to communicate and express their feelings. They can come across as stubborn and strong willed.

Dogs are strong and healthy, and incredibly hardworking. They prefer to be active and busy, and get bored easily if they are not occupied. They are often lovers of sport, and mostly physically fit. Men who are born in the year of the Dog are often straightforward and honest, and love to give their strong opinions on any topic. Women born in the same year, on the other hand, tend to lean towards caution, and don’t easily trust those they don’t know. They are very independent, and like being outside.

Year of the Dog Statistics

Strengths: Healthy, loyal, kind, honest, intelligent,

Weaknesses: stubborn, anxious, sensitive

Lucky Numbers: 3, 4, 9

Unlucky Numbers: 1, 6, 7

Lucky Colours: purple, red, green

Unlucky Colors: blue, white, gold

Dog Love Compatibility

Most compatible with Dogs: Tiger,, Horse, and Rabbit

Relationships between Dogs and Rabbits are the most successful; dogs are attracted to the equal kindness in the Rabbit, and the Rabbit quietly supports the Dog’s dreams. Tigers are very optimistic and confident, which is the perfect balance to the Dog’s occasional pessimism. On the other hand, Tigers can sometimes be a little insecure, and so they benefit from the Dog’s loyalty. Finally, a relationship between a Dog and a Horse would be one of great understanding and respect, as both are incredibly intelligent and value the other’s opinions.

Least compatible with Dogs: Ox, Dragon, and Goat

Dogs and Dragons are the least compatible, as their personalities clash very strongly and have very intense arguments. Both find it hard to trust the other. Dogs and Oxen have very different personalities and interests; Dogs are active and crave excitement, whereas the Ox is more laidback and prefers a calmer life. Dogs and Goats have a perfectly amicable relationship, but there is no passion or even much interest between them.

Famous Dogs

There are a number of famous people born in the year of the Dog, including Winston Churchill; Mother Teresa; Elvis Presley; Bill Clinton; Steven Spielberg; Madonna; and Michael Jackson.

What’s in Store for the Year of the Dog?

Unfortunately, the year of your zodiac sign is believed to be unlucky, so this year Dogs should take extra care. Dogs are usually very healthy, so hopefully won’t face any major health concerns, but should take time to rest properly so they don’t burn out.

When it comes to relationships, this might be a difficult one for the Dog. They are not the best at communicating their feelings at the best of times, and will find it even harder this year, which will be frustrating for their loved ones. Dogs should focus on better expressing their thoughts and feelings.

Dogs will come across many obstacles and challenges in their careers this year, and they must try not to let their tempers or their pessimism get the better of them. If they keep their heads down and work hard, they should overcome the challenges with ease.

For the other zodiac signs, they will have successful and prosperous year if they take on their traits and strengths of the dog; work hard, be loyal to their loved ones, and practice honesty and kindness.

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Understanding Dreams about Death

Welcome back to our ‘Understanding Dreams’ series, where we delve into the workings of our subconscious and explain what those weird and wonderful dreams mean for us and our waking lives. This month’s dream theme is death; though very common, these dreams understandably cause a lot of anxiety and worry, but those feelings are unnecessary. Here we explore what dreams about death mean.

Dreaming about death is very common; whether it’s your own death, or that of a friend or family member. Having a dream about somebody dying can be scary and sad, and leave you feeling worried or unsettled the day after. However, these dreams don’t mean that that person is going to die in real life; instead, they have a more symbolic meaning. Death in dreams often symbolises an ending in your waking life; this could be anything from a relationship, a job, or even just a phase that is coming to a close.

If you dream about death, you are most likely going through a period of change or growth in your waking life. You may not be completely aware of this change; it could be upcoming, or it could be a subtle change that you hadn’t noticed consciously, but that your subconscious brain is processing.

Dreams are our way of making sense of the events in our lives that we don’t quite understand, or are difficult to process. They are also the perfect opportunity to reflect upon our lives. To understand what a dream about death means for you, you should take some time to think about what is happening in your waking life.

Dreaming about yourself dying

Dreams of yourself dying symbolise a phase of personal transformation, development, and self-discovery. If you dream about your death, you have probably just made a big change in your life, or you are on your way to making an important decision that will have a big impact on you and your life.

Perhaps you have just ended a relationship, or even entered a new one. Or it could be related to a job; have you recently switched jobs, or got a promotion? Perhaps you’ve been thinking of a career change for a while, but have been unsure whether to make the move? Or maybe you’ve been dreaming of moving to a new city, or country? This dream could be a sign that you should take the leap!

Dreams about yourself dying can also symbolise a smaller change in your life. It could be that a part of you has ‘died’ in real life, such as a habit or a behaviour. You could have made the decision to make a change, or it could have happened naturally, without you even noticing.

Dreaming of somebody else dying

Dreams about somebody else dying can have a few different meanings, depending on who the person is, your relationship with them, and what they represent in your life. Though they are the one who has died in the dream, the meaning behind it will most likely be related to you, or at least a part of you, still.7

Dreams about your ex-partner dying usually symbolise the ending of your feelings for them and your relationship. Perhaps you had been holding on to emotions about them, whether it be love, or resentment or bitterness; whatever these feelings were, they have probably dwindled now, leaving you free to move on from the relationship and move forward with your life.

Dreaming about a current partner dying could have two very different meanings, and require some reflection of the current status of your relationship. One possible meaning of a partner dying in a dream is that you subconsciously wish the relationship would end. However, the most common reason for this dream is that you have a deep fear of losing them. Perhaps this dream is a wakeup call, and is meant to consider how much you love and need them in your life. Maybe you have been taking them for granted lately, and need to pay a little more attention to them? Or you feel like there are problems in the relationship that need to be fixed, so that you don’t lose them.

Similarly, dreaming of a friend dying can symbolise the death of the friendship, or the end of their influence on your life. Or, it could be a sign that the friendship needs a little work and care, and that you should spend some time reconnecting with that person, so that the relationship doesn’t fizzle out.

If you dream about your parents dying, it could symbolise that you are going through a period of personal growth or change, and that you are moving further away from who you were as a child, when you needed your parents the most. If you dream of a parent who has already passed, it could be a sign that you are craving their support with a situation, and could benefit from their advice.

If you have a dream about death, don’t panic and fear that the dream will come true. Take the opportunity to reflect and take stock on your life. If you aren’t already going through a change, then use this dream as a warning that something is on the horizon.

 

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Question of the Week: How to Make a Long-Distance Relationship Work

We love to hear from our community members, and once a week we choose a question from one to answer right here on the blog. This week, Beth got in touch to ask us for advice about her current relationship situation. Here are our thoughts on the subject!

Q – Hi, I’m Beth. My boyfriend recently moved to another country for a year, because of his job. I’m completely in love with him and don’t want to break up, but I’m not sure how we’ll survive a year so far apart. There’s a big time difference and I’m probably only going to be able to visit him once due to the distance and the cost of the trip, so it’s going to be a long year! Do you have any advice on how to make a long-distance relationship work? Thanks!

A – Hi Beth,

Thank you for your question! Ah, long distance relationships! They’re a tricky subject that divides many people; some believe that they can never work, whereas others believe they’re more romantic and actually help strengthen the relationship in the long run.

One thing everyone can agree on is that it’s not easy; the distance adds an extra layer on top of the usual relationship trials and tribulations. However, there are many couples out there that have proven that the struggle is worth it, and that through trust, patience and a little hard work, you can get through the time apart and come out the other end happier than ever, together. Here is our advice on how to make a long distance relationship work.

Make a plan

When you’re apart for a long time, it’s important to make plans for when you’re together again. If you aren’t sure when you’ll next see your partner, it can make the distance even more difficult than it needs to be. It’s important to have a plan, both for when you’re apart, and for when you’re together again.

If your partner is away for a year and you can only visit once, then plan that visit around the halfway mark. Book the tickets so that you have a secure date to hold on to, and something to look forward to and countdown to. The number will be smaller and less daunting; dealing with time in smaller periods can make it easier to deal with.

You also need to make a plan for the future. What happens when you’re together again? How will you move forward? If you don’t have any plans for after the period of long distance, it can feel like you’re aimlessly treading water, and there isn’t much point to the relationship. Putting the wheels in motion for your future together will help you keep focus, and will make all of the hard work while you’re apart feel even more rewarding.

Be flexible and patient with each other

The key to any relationship, especially a long distance one, is patience. With a big time difference and conflicting schedules that make it difficult to communicate, it’s easy to get frustrated and blame each other. However, these things are unavoidable when you’re in different countries, and it’s important to learn how to be flexible and patient with each other.

To combat the time difference, figure out the best times to talk when both of you are free. Unfortunately, it might be difficult to fit in a full conversation on weekdays due to work and other responsibilities, so try to be flexible and understand that your communication will be different to how it was when you were together in the same place. However, shooting a quick message for them to wake up to, or just before they go to sleep, will let them know that you’re thinking about them.

Scheduling some time that is dedicated to each other will help get you through the times when it’s more difficult to speak. Weekends are probably your best opportunity; schedule in a weekly ‘date’ where you can catch up, or watch your favourite TV shows together. Having this time to look forward to will help you feel more patient during the rest of the time.

Embrace the independence

Try to avoid spending all of your time pining for your partner while you’re apart; it’s not healthy, and it will make the time pass much more slowly! In every relationship, it’s important to have your own interests, separate from your partner’s, and even more so when you’re long distance.

Independence is actually one of the benefits of a long distance relationship, so try to embrace it. Of course you miss your partner, but this is a great opportunity to learn to live without them, and spend time enjoying your own company. Use this abundance of time to yourself to do the things you enjoy that your partner wouldn’t necessarily want to do. Spend time with your friends, start up a new hobby, or take a class and learn a new skill.

Make each other feel special

The most important thing to remember in a long distance relationship is why you’re together, and why all this hard work is worth it. When we’re with our partners all the time, it’s easy to take each other for granted and let the romantic gestures fall by the wayside a little. However, it’s more important than ever when you’re far away from each other, to make your partner feel special and let them know that you’re thinking about them and love them.

Being apart is the perfect opportunity to make the extra effort and go the extra mile (sometimes literally). Instead of relying on texting or video calls, find creative ways to keep in touch. Send them handwritten letters or care-packages, or surprise them with gifts or tokens of your affection. If possible, pay them a surprise visit. All of these little gestures will keep that spark alive and help you get through the tough times.

Long distance relationships are definitely hard work, but if you put in the effort and learn to be patient and understanding of each other, you can get through the tough times, and come out the other side stronger than ever. Good luck!

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