How can you mend a broken heart?

Valentines' Day is just a few days away.  Even if your significant other tells you they do not want anything, do not believe them.  At least buy a card or a tiny box of Whitman's chocolates to give to them this Thursday.  I know that a lot of you are griping right now.  You are whining for one of two reasons: 

1. You think V-Day is a commercialized holiday that is only there to suck money out of your wallet.
2. You are pissed because you do not have a Valentine in your life this year.

If you do have a special someone in your life this year, but you are a strict believer in reason #1, there is a good chance that next year you will be a believer in reason #2.  Those of us who are not very fond of Valentines' Day still do not want to be forgotten on this holiday.  Personally, I am not a big fan.  Don't get me wrong; I do not think there is anything sweeter than someone buying me flowers.  It may be old fashioned and seem pointless, but it is also one of the most romantic gestures a person can perform.  If not flowers, then just listen to Forrest Gump and get me a box of chocolates (or shrimp prepared 417 different ways).  It's not the purpose of Valentines' Day I oppose.  It's just kind of the day itself.

You may be asking why V-Day is not one of my favorite holidays.  I had an old flame break up with me on Valentines' Day.  That ruined it for a year or two.  However, an even bigger way to ruin the day is that my father passed away the day after V-Day 23 years ago.  I remember it was cold that February.  I remember whom I spent that evening with.  I do not remember what we did that last Valentines' Day, but I do remember getting a phone call the next morning saying that I should come to the hospital. 

There are all sorts of ways to get your heart broken.  Usually, it happens when a romantic love goes bad.  And for the sake of today's blog, that is the way I am referring.  How do you get past a broken heart?  I have always been a firm believer that there are three things you must do:

1. Give yourself a lot of time because time can heal those wounds.
2. Forgive the other person and/or yourself for causing the pain.
3. Allow yourself the chance to try it all over again.

And, if those don't work, buy five pints of various flavors of Ben & Jerry's and watch the following clip until you cry yourself to sleep.

Oh, Barry Gibb...

Show someone you love them this Valentines' Day.  It can be your spouse, your children, a parent, or buy a total stranger's coffee that morning.  People say there should not be a holiday that,"makes," you prove your love to others.  I totally agree...it should be something we do for no reason at all.