Valentine’s Day Doesn’t Have to Just Be for Lovers

Anyone who knows me already knows that I loathe Valentine’s Day. Well, loathe may be a bit strong, but I sure don’t like it!

It is a personal quirk of mine that I just do not like being told what to do and cannot and will not be romantic on demand. In fact I am so opposed to being told what to do and when to do it that I am frequently observed in heated conversation with my on-board navigation system. When that pretty English voice (my vehicle is British) tells me to turn left, my invariable response is, “You’re not the boss of me!” As a result of this quirk, I tend to leave for appointments early so I can get lost, reoriented and arrive at my destination on time.

However, I do believe that there are many opportunities to warm someone’s heart this Valentine’s Day.  A box of chocolates might do the trick. A bouquet of flowers would undoubtedly be appreciated by many people. But how about a blood donation with the American Red Cross or your local hospital?

You don’t need cupid’s arrow to become a lifesaver this Valentine’s Day. All you need is an hour of free time and the desire to help save lives. When you donate blood, you give from the heart.

And as a side note, I was reading my friend Larry Winget’s blog this morning and he is offering up some truly fabulous (and oftentimes hilarious) tips for Valentine’s Day. Larry says it exactly as he means it, which is probably why we get along so well! Read Larry’s 13 Tips for a Better Marriage here. It is actually an excerpt from his New York Times Bestseller, “People Are Idiots And I Can Prove It: The 10 Ways You Are Sabotaging Yourself and How You Can Overcome Them.”

Enjoy!