Valentines Traditions--Good and Bad

Here’s something to consider: 53% of women will break up with their boyfriend over an unhappy Valentine's Day! You don't have to spend a lot − it's the thought that counts − but if you wait until the last minute she will know and the night will be unpleasant for you both! 

Guys, nothing says "I forgot Valentine's Day" more than stuff you can grab at the gas station. You are cutting it close,  but there is still time to get her something that says more that a heart-shaped bottle opener, a cheesy stuffed animal or a cinnamon-scented car air freshener.

Full Story at (JaneDough)

On the other hand, there are plenty of people out there who couldn't give two dead roses about a silly holiday like Valentine's Day.

These non-romantics see the day as nothing more than a way for candy and card companies to make a boatload of money off the rest of us saps.

Here's a list of V-Day traditions that drive some people up the wall:

• Chocolate candy in a heart-shaped box
• Heart-shaped jewelry
• Roses
• Valentine's Day balloons
• Candlelight dinners
• Red lingerie
• Teddy bears
• Secret admirers (Stalker, anyone?) (TruTv.com)

Can you stay friends with an Ex?

Although it is difficult, relationship experts say it is possible to stay friends with an ex as long as you follow some simple rules:

1. Let go of the anger and blame: You have to forgive and forget the problems that ended the relationship. If you want to have your ex in your life, you need to forget the past.
    
2. Start small: After all the hurt and emotional strain of an ended relationship, you can't expect to jump right into a friendship. Start with simple small talk and work back into a friendship.
    
3. Focus on his strengths: If you broke up because you couldn't handle certain aspects of his personality or his maturity level, you can't fixate on those things as a friend. Remember his strengths and all the reasons you fell for him in the first place and focus on the good qualities – if you can't do this you won't be able to maintain a friendship.
    
4. Set boundaries: Befriending an ex can sometimes open the door to intimacy and feelings of love. Unless you are trying to rekindle the flame, do not become physical with an ex.
    
5. Don't be jealous: Being friends with an ex means possibly seeing him with a new girlfriend. You have to let go of emotional ties and view him as you would any other friend in a relationship. (Redbook)

EVERY ROSE TELLS A STORY

Roses are the most popular Valentine's Day flower, and while they all send a message of affection, the color you pick can make a big difference.

• Red roses signify romantic love.
• White roses stand for purity and innocence.
• Orange roses signal desire.
• Pink blooms signify appreciation.
• Yellow roses are the color of friendship

Click for the complete story on Rose Colors and their meanings

Valentine's Day is the perfect time of year to reveal your true feelings to that person you've been crushing on. Before laying it all out on the line, however, follow these guidelines to help you determine if he is actually into you too. Nothing hurts more than pouring your heart out to someone who only sees you as a friend.

Here are the signs that your he's not into you that way ...

• He doesn't engage in in-depth conversations with you: If he is a man of very few words, or even short with you, it's his way of trying to let you know, "I don't want to be rude, but I am not into this."
   
• He doesn't respond to all  your texts or calls: If he sometimes replies and sometimes doesn't, chances are high that he's probably not that into you.
   
• He flirts with other girls in front of you: Girls love to brush this off as "he's just a flirt" or "he is so outgoing," but the truth is, if I guy is into you, he is not trying to work the room. His attention would be on you!
   
• He avoids physical contact: If he keeps you at arms length and isn't receptive to a hug and kiss hello ... he doesn't want a physical relationship with you. (Gurl)