Flowers on Valentine’s Day are one of those romantic traditions that simply will not die—and for good reason. They make people happy. Flowers are an immediate sign of love and honor, an emotional pick-me-up, and a joy to have around the house. It’s believed that flowers can soothe and create warm environments that reduce stress, induce romance, and even encourage communication.

The common red rose symbolizes a strong feeling of love, and its universal significance has been known to provoke excited utterances worldwide. Of course, if you’re not quite ready to make a bold statement of emotion and would rather tone it down to something like, “I really, really like you and think you’re very cool,” there are other options, such as white, yellow, purple, and even an interesting shade of green. Each color has its own symbolic meaning. A mixed bouquet of roses on Valentine’s Day can make someone feel remarkably special and wonderfully empowered by emotion.

Exploring Other Flower Options

While roses are the most common flower sent on Valentine’s Day, it’s becoming increasingly popular to send bouquets of alternate flowers. This tradition likely began with a man who didn’t want any misinterpretation from a bouquet of roses showing up on his girlfriend’s doorstep. It seems he was receiving quite a bit of pressure to pop the big question, a commitment he wasn’t yet ready to make.

Lilacs, carnations, irises—whatever you can imagine—can now be sent to the door of your loved one (or your “really, really liked” one). Whatever you choose, it will be met with a warm reception, because that’s what flowers do.

Fortunately for the flower-sending challenged, flower companies have made it easier than ever to send flowers to just about anyone, anywhere, and for far less than you might think. A beautiful bouquet can be purchased and delivered for about $25–$30, sometimes even with the addition of a Mylar balloon. Most local flower shops can guarantee same-day delivery as long as you call before noon, with some extending that cutoff as late as one or two o’clock.

What’s even better is that most florists can create a stunning arrangement just for your special Valentine by learning about their personality. You don’t need to know the names of the flowers or anything about them. The florist will take care of it for you. They’re there to help those who may be less confident about sending flowers. So, as you can see, I’m slowly eliminating all the typical excuses for not sending flowers to your hopeful one this Valentine’s Day.

Some people just don’t understand why flowers are such a big deal. They either see them as a money or time. After all, they just sit around and die—why bother with something that lasts only a few days before turning brown?

Because it means something to the person you care for. It doesn’t matter if you think it’s silly. If they think it’s beautiful and adds a wonderful moment to their day, isn’t that the point? Besides, most people who question the value of receiving flowers on Valentine’s Day have never actually received them.

Sending flowers on Valentine’s Day isn’t just for men anymore. Women have recently begun to step up and return the favor. However, women should consider that men often work in environments where it’s not always appropriate to send flowers to their workplace. If you’re interested in sending flowers to your guy this year (which, surprisingly, many men appreciate), it’s best to send them to his home instead of his office. Even the macho guy with a bouquet on his dining room table might get teased by his coworkers, which is far from the point of sending them in the first place. Not all men will immediately “get it,” so don’t be surprised if he stands there, staring at you for a moment. But chances are, even if he pretends not to understand, deep down, he’ll be a bit tickled.

Flowers are simply one of those “you got it right” gifts that can enhance a romantic Valentine’s Day for both of you. You don’t have to wait until you’re head over heels in love to express your thoughts with flowers (and by the way, your mother would appreciate a bouquet, too!). The meaning of flowers transcends all boundaries. Take a moment, call the florist, and sit back to enjoy the fireworks you’ve set off.

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Celebrations honoring mothers trace back to ancient Greece, through Roman times, and continue today. The first official Mother’s Day in the United States was initiated by Anna Jarvis, who encouraged her mother’s church in Grafton, West Virginia, to hold an annual service for mothers, starting in 1908. By 1914, Mother’s Day was proclaimed a national holiday in the U.S.

The first Father’s Day in the U.S. also occurred in 1908, but its path to official recognition was longer than Mother’s Day’s. Like Mother’s Day, Father’s Day began as a church service in West Virginia. The inaugural Father’s Day was held on July 5, 1908, in Fairmont. It was likely inspired by a tragic mine explosion in nearby Monongah in December 1907, described as the worst disaster in American mining history. The explosion, caused by methane ignition, killed 362 men and boys, leaving over 1,000 children fatherless. Given its proximity to the first Mother’s Day service, the initial Father’s Day was probably influenced by the holiday for mothers, held less than two months earlier.

Sonora Smart Dodd and National Recognition

On the other side of the country, Sonora Smart Dodd, inspired by Anna Jarvis’s efforts to establish Mother’s Day, sought to create a similar day for fathers. Her father had raised six children alone, and to honor him and others, Dodd organized the first Father’s Day on the third Sunday in June 1910 in Spokane, Washington. She introduced a now-lost tradition of wearing flowers: a red flower for living fathers and a white flower to remember deceased ones. This celebration became the foundation for Father’s Day.

The honoring of fathers gained widespread support. By 1916, President Woodrow Wilson’s family celebrated Father’s Day. President Calvin Coolidge recommended it as a national holiday in 1924, but it wasn’t proclaimed until 1966. It became a permanent national holiday in 1972 under President Nixon.

Like Mother’s Day, Father’s Day is celebrated globally with gifts and cards. The tacky tie has become a traditional gag gift in many North American homes.

Internationally, Father’s Day is observed on various dates. Most countries follow the North American tradition of the third Sunday in June, but others celebrate in March, September, or November. In nations like South Korea and Vietnam, it’s known as Parents’ Day. In Russia, the holiday celebrates the “fatherland” and is widely recognized as a men’s holiday.

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What exactly makes it so exciting? Is it the thrill of turning a year older? Is it the hope of receiving that very special present? Or is it the excitement of having that one special person who has promised to come to the party?

The Origins of Birthday Traditions

Birthday parties actually began with a superstition. The idea was that bad spirits focused heavily on the child with a birthday, and the more people who could be around them that day, the more protection they would have. An entire village could show up for one birthday. People would stay throughout the day, offering the birthday boy or girl the very best wishes and blessings. An actual gift brought more blessings than just words, and, of course, the hosting family would feed their visitors “cake,” which was really nothing more than biscuits and bread back then.

This was the beginning of the birthday party, a wonderful tradition we now bestow upon each other to celebrate the fact that someone was even born. Sometimes, we like to make a big deal out of age milestones, giving special importance to certain ages. Eighteenth birthdays, for instance, often come with huge celebrations for obvious reasons.

The tradition started with royalty, acknowledging that they alone were worthy of protection, gifts, and well-wishing. The rest of the kingdom, however, was left unprotected from the elusive bad spirits. There’s no documentation on who the first villager was to receive birthday protection or why the tradition trickled down to the villagers, but it is assumed that this is how we ended up with the “crowning” of the birthday child for the day. Perhaps a wise king realized that leaving his people unprotected might result in a kingdom left to ruin. Maybe there was a plague or a war at the time—who knows? What we do know for sure is that the royals enjoyed the honor of birthday protection for hundreds of years before the villagers were allowed to partake in the tradition.

Germany was the first country to acknowledge children’s birthday parties. They appropriately referred to them as kinder fests, and the celebrations were known to go on for nearly the entire day. This was, of course, during a time when families were much larger for the sake of survival. With most families having between five and eight children, and villages comprised of about one hundred to two hundred families, there was plenty of celebrating to go around.

Birthday traditions continued to evolve, and many of them are still similar to typical American birthdays with cake, candles, birthday songs, presents, and parties. Some countries even add a special Mass in the child’s honor.

Unique Birthday Traditions Around the World
There are several countries with notable traditions for their birthday children. In Vietnam, for example, birthdays are celebrated all at once on New Year’s Day. Regardless of when a child is born, they are considered to be one year old on the first day of the New Year.

Russian children receive pies rather than cakes, and South African kids are given a key—fashioned out of almost anything—to symbolize that they are ready to open the door to their future on their twenty-first birthday. In Nepal, children receive a special mark on their forehead to celebrate their birthday. Meanwhile, in Panama, children’s birthday parties are very similar to those in the United States, except for one thing: size. Panamanians often throw birthday parties with over 100 guests.

Many countries also observe the “birthday bumping” custom. This involves lifting the child upside down and gently “bumping” them against the floor. Naturally, they get one “bump” for each year they’ve lived, plus one extra for good luck.

In Canada, children are sneaked up on, grabbed, and have their nose greased with butter in an attempt to make them too slippery for the bad spirits to catch and ruin their day.

Birthday traditions vary widely around the world, and often families develop their own customs as well. One newer tradition is sending online greeting cards, allowing people to connect and celebrate in a more digital age. Personalizing traditions—even if it’s as simple as letting the birthday child choose their favorite meal for dinner—emphasizes how special and unique we all are, and how important it is to recognize that we came into the world and are here. Birthdays are special and should reflect the excitement of life brewing all around us. This is a feeling shared worldwide, as birthday celebrations are held all over the globe.

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In the United States, Valentine’s Day is often a simple affair: a thoughtful card, a gift of flowers, candy, or jewelry, and a romantic dinner. While traditionally men have led gift-giving, women are increasingly participating, making men equal recipients. For those without a partner, the day can feel less festive, but children embrace it with enthusiasm, exchanging cards and treats at school.

Card-giving is a near-universal tradition, offering a tangible expression of love that recipients can cherish. Similarly, the desire to share Valentine’s Day with a loved one transcends borders, uniting people in the universal quest for connection.

Unique Traditions in France and Australia

In France, February 14th is linked to a charming belief that birds choose their mates on this day, though historians debate its connection to Valentine’s Day origins. Meanwhile, Australians celebrate with grandeur, treating the holiday with the fervor Americans reserve for New Year’s Eve. This tradition traces back to the gold rush era, when miners commissioned lavish Valentine’s cards—often artworks adorned with hummingbirds in ornate boxes. Today, Australian men lead as primary card buyers, openly embracing the holiday’s romantic spirit.

Exuberant Celebrations in India and China

India celebrates Valentine’s Day with vibrant enthusiasm, with shops and streets adorned with cupids and hearts weeks in advance. The holiday boosts the economy and morale, serving as a popular day for marriage proposals and pampering. In contrast, China observes its own Valentine’s Day, the Day of the Seven Sisters, tied to a legend of a farmer and a fairy. Celebrated with festivals, card and candy exchanges, and wish-making, it emphasizes fertility, luck, love, and longevity, particularly for young women seeking marriage.

Most developed nations share similar Valentine’s Day customs, focusing on unity and love. Yet, the holiday inspires countless personal traditions, surpassing even Christmas in individuality. Despite some resistance to its commercialism in the U.S., many create unique ways to celebrate, from intimate gestures to grand expressions.

For those who’ve found their life partner, Valentine’s Day is a profound occasion. It celebrates knowing someone deeply—their faults, fears, joys, and dreams—and choosing to share life’s highs and lows together. This universal miracle of love, exemplified by traditions like exchanging flowers, makes Valentine’s Day a cherished global holiday.

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What Moms Really Want

Even if you asked her, she wouldn’t tell you the truth. She would simply say, “I don’t need a gift.” This is one of the worst lies that women tell. Of course, they need a gift, and they want YOU to figure it out. They don’t want you to thumb through the Sunday Times or spend five minutes shopping at the closest store to your home to come up with something that looks good wrapped for Mother’s Day. And they certainly don’t want to tell you what they want. It may be easier to start with things they don’t want.

Most moms do not want pots and pans. Unless the mother in your life is a culinary genius who spends hours cooking and catering meals, she isn’t interested in a dollar-store frying pan so she can prepare your eggs. She probably doesn’t want a stock pot big enough to hold the rabbit for your grandmother’s rabbit stew recipe either. In fact, one great way to know you are never going to eat rabbit stew is to buy her the pot. She also doesn’t want a new spatula, cutlery, or anything that isn’t really for her, but for the entire family. Giving her a gift that simply reminds her of her wifely or motherly duties without making life any easier for her should be scratched from the list immediately.

If you want to give a kitchen gadget, go for something that makes life easier—such as a KitchenAid mixer. If she loves her coffee more than her children, a Tassimo or Keurig coffee maker can go a long way in helping her enjoy life. And it will be just for her!

Other no-no’s when it comes to Mother’s Day gifts are purses, bags, or clothes that she didn’t ask for. Some men and children can pick out pretty great clothes for mom, BUT unless you are one of them, you’re asking for trouble. Not only will she feel obligated to wear it, even if it looks bad, but if you buy a size too big, you are headed for a rough couple of days. To a woman, that’s as good as calling her fat. On the other hand, if she asks for a specific brand of jeans that cost $200, don’t trade them in for a pair of Lee Easy Fits because they looked the same to you. This too will cause a rough road ahead. The fact that you would be willing to buy the $200 jeans, even though you thought they were wasteful and indulgent, proves to her how much she is loved!

When it comes to perfume, you also have to tread very carefully. There are some men in this world who are reminiscent of the Scarecrow in The Wizard of Oz—no brain. They will gleefully give their wife a brand new perfume and exclaim how the receptionist at work wears it and how it smells awesome. Wink, wink! Not smart. If you buy her perfume, make sure it’s something she likes, wears, and wants. If the mother in your life doesn’t take long, candlelit bubble baths, then skip the bubble bath gift altogether.

Interestingly, many women do enjoy getting lingerie. Of course, this is a gift that should not be given in front of the kids or in-laws while eating dinner, but a great idea for a husband is to purchase something sexy for his wife on Mother’s Day. The sheer thought that you went into Victoria’s Secret and picked out some lacy number in her favorite shade of purple shows you think she’s still got it! And for that, you might just get it.

When it comes to the kids, mom really doesn’t care what they give her. They could give her a scribbled piece of paper with the words “I love you” written on it, and it would make her happy. In fact, kids can give mom potted plants that she will eventually kill or handmade pieces of artwork to clutter up the house—and mom will melt. Why? Because they already gave her the most perfect gift on the day they were born: the gift of being a mother.

Another thing to recognize on Mother’s Day is that it should be her day to be pampered. She gets the remote control, she gets to pick what’s for dinner (or where to go), and the entire rest of the family should clean up and make it appear as if dinner never happened. A gift certificate to a local spa, for a manicure (without the kids) or a massage, are also great ideas that will come in handy and be appreciated.

As with any gift, mom wants to be remembered. She wants to be thought of on Mother’s Day as more than a wife and provider of food and shelter. She wants to be remembered for being a woman, a person, and for all the special and unique qualities that truly make her a special mom. Lastly, she wants to hear a silent but obvious thank you—to know that her family thinks she is the very best mom in the entire world.

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Father’s Day is just around the corner, yet research from the Huffington Post suggests mothers are valued at $8 billion more than fathers when it comes to spending on their respective Hallmark holidays. Mother’s Day takes the metaphorical cake, leaving fathers with just a handful of leftover crumbs.

The celebration of Father’s Day didn’t even exist until 58 years after Mother’s Day. The first Father’s Day was observed in 1906 in Spokane, Washington, to honor over 360 fathers who perished in a coal mining accident. However, it wasn’t until 1972 that Father’s Day became an official holiday, largely because society didn’t attribute the same sentimental value to fathers as to mothers. Historically, fathers were the primary breadwinners while mothers typically managed the home. Despite the feminist movement, women as caretakers have long been granted a near-goddess status. While many women feel taken for granted in the home, today many fathers work 65-hour weeks and strive to meet their partners’ expectations by helping with housework and child-rearing.

Shifting Perspectives on Fatherhood

Despite these efforts, Father’s Day celebrations and gift-giving still lag behind Mother’s Day. According to the Greeting Card Industry, 40 million fewer cards are sold for Father’s Day compared to Mother’s Day. Perhaps fathers are more forgiving about receiving lavish gifts or cards, or maybe they place less pressure on their families to show appreciation. In today’s era of involved fatherhood, it’s surprising that Father’s Day doesn’t carry the same emphasis as Mother’s Day.

Research from the Labor Department and the National Retail Federation credits mothers with over 40 hours of weekly childcare, while fathers are often credited with none, as many spend their time working outside the home. Pregnancy and childbirth are remarkable feats that strengthen the maternal bond, deserving recognition. As the saying goes, “A mother can bring you into this world, and she can take you out.” However, fathers play a significant role in bringing children into the world, too. Nature dictates that women carry babies across species, but men shouldn’t be shamed or denied celebration for not bearing children.

There is good news, though. According to Forbes Magazine in 2012, despite economic challenges, the spending gap between Mother’s Day and Father’s Day was narrowing. The difference in spending between Mother’s Day and Father’s Day had closed to about $30, with consumers spending an average of $163 on moms and $130 on dads.

Today, parents should be honored equally. Yes, there are deadbeat dads who get a bad rap, but there are also an increasing number of deadbeat moms. More men are gaining full or joint custody of children during divorces, a rarity in North American courts just a decade ago. Additionally, over 46 million stay-at-home fathers now exist in households where mothers are the primary earners—a scenario once considered unthinkable.

As fathers earn recognition as quality parents, Father’s Day celebrations may eventually catch up to Mother’s Day. Or perhaps they won’t. Maybe modern fathers aren’t as high-maintenance, finding less emotional significance in Hallmark cards, roses, or novelty ties. Perhaps dads who spend quality time with their children and are finally seen as valuable parents are content with that alone. As we move beyond traditional gender roles and encourage fathers to be active in child-rearing, they not only provide daily gifts to their families but also earn a special day to be spoiled and valued, just like mothers. Alternatively, we could revive the 1920s movement to replace both holidays with a unified Parents’ Day!

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Simple Resolutions That Make a Big Impact

Start saving for college!
College is expensive! You may think you have plenty of time left, but the years slip away quickly. If you begin by putting $20 a week in an interest or stock-yielding account, you will be able to save around $1,000 per year. Commit to increasing your contribution each New Year, and by the time your children are in 5th grade, you will have quite a nest egg!

Introduce one healthy food to your children each week!
Every mom and dad gets into a routine of macaroni & cheese and chicken nuggets. This works because the kids will eat it! But if you start young by expanding their palate, you’ll be surprised at the foods they will enjoy. Be creative and make one night a week a special “Taste of the New Year” night! If you turn it into a fun tradition, you’ll build upon their menu and their health, leading to great eating habits in the years ahead.

Spend one hour every weekend (or once a week) taking a walk together as a family!
Most households are filled with so much noise, toys, and hustle and bustle that the quiet and beauty of nature often go unnoticed! This will also get everyone moving. Even if your baby is a new walker, bring them along for the fun!

Record memories and milestones!
Chances are, you started recording memories and milestones with the diligence of an army drill instructor. But as time becomes limited and children become more plentiful, you may find yourself forgetting some of the simpler moments. Make a New Year’s resolution to record everything on a calendar. Use New Year’s Day as an opportunity to take a walk down memory lane and document these moments. In the years to come, you’ll be so glad you did. The best gift a family can offer their children is memories of good times spent together.

Back up your pictures!
We all say we’re going to do it, and then we don’t. Then, our computer crashes! Back up those digital photos and videos of your family, or put them on CDs and DVDs! Don’t wait until it’s too late, and New Year’s is a great time to do it. Afterward, make a vow to back up your files every time the clock changes. Sitting at the computer to back up endless photos will help you feel more grateful for your family and give you a chance to revisit the past year with clarity. It’s a good place to start thinking about changes you can make that will positively affect your family.

Check or install your smoke detectors!
While not very exciting, this task is crucial. More children are injured or killed in their homes due to fire than from any other cause each year. Remember a month or so ago when the smoke detectors were beeping in the middle of the night, and you just disconnected them? Now is the time to make sure they are working again! If you don’t have smoke detectors, install at least one on every floor of your home, especially near sleeping rooms. Make a New Year’s resolution to complete those daunting tasks that have been hanging over you for months. The small, tedious projects that linger in your mind can cause a lot of stress. Getting them done will feel like a fresh start.

Make time for your spouse!
New Year’s is the perfect opportunity to make lasting changes. One thing you shouldn’t forget to do is spend time with your spouse. No matter how busy you are with the kids, happy parents lead to happy children! This New Year, decide that once a week or once a month, you will take time for each other. Not only will you feel a renewed sense of love and appreciation, but you’ll also get the much-needed break that will leave you energized for another year of raising children.

Changing your perspective on resolutions.
Plenty of people don’t believe in making New Year’s resolutions. If you are one of them, try shifting your perspective. Your world is never standing still, and sometimes you have to bend and flex in order to change with it. Raising a family means reinventing love, gratitude, and hope within your home. Simple things like taking small steps to improve your health or happiness can have a dramatic trickle-down effect on others in your life. Rather than thinking of New Year’s resolutions as cliché, think of it as a way to wipe the slate clean, letting go of last year’s worries and focusing on the solutions and abundance that await you in the coming year. No one is certain of their time on Earth, and spending it wisely, lovingly, and passionately should be the ultimate goal for this New Year. It’s the one thing you will never get a chance to do over. Happy New Year!

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The Modern Sunday: Busy and Over-Scheduled

Boy, have things changed! In today’s world, Sunday is one of the busiest days of the week. Years ago, people wouldn’t dare schedule sports events, practices, or birthday parties on Sundays. But now, Sundays are packed with long to-do lists, preparing for the even busier week ahead. According to a Reuters survey, many working parents do all of their grocery shopping and errand running on Sundays. Take-out dinners and delivered pizzas on Sunday are just as common as on the often-celebrated Friday nights. Sunday has become laundry day, grass-cutting day, and the only day of the week people have to wash windows, touch up painting, or start yard work.

Certainly, we live in a busy society. We’ve lost touch with the concept of a “day of rest” and forgotten one of the simplest aspects of our being: being. We are called human beings for a reason, yet very few of us take time to just be. Instead, we are constantly doing—running here and there, feeling unsettled and anxious when we try to relax, trying to fit everything in, and making the most of every available daylight hour.

The irony is that no matter what we accomplish on Sundays—whether it’s errands, work, or shopping—we’ll only have to do it all again another day. Perhaps, instead of scheduling our Sundays, we should take a small piece of advice from generations before us. They encouraged us to use Sundays as a day for family.

A famous quote by Albert Schweitzer says:

“Do not let Sunday be taken from your soul. If your soul has no Sunday, you become an orphan.”

Of course, the quote was meant metaphorically. No one can actually take Sunday away from us—it comes every week whether we want it or not. Yet the advice in this quote holds profound meaning, something many of us miss in today’s fast-paced world of “do-it-all parenting” and “having-it-all living,” which often leaves us feeling empty.

Ask yourself this: In ten years, will you remember the grocery shopping or your employee’s wedding? Will you remember backyard games of tennis? Will the take-out pizza bring you more solace than sitting around your parents’ table, sharing a meal as a family? In ten years, will the ball games and practices replace time with your loved ones? Will you have the same opportunities to be with your family as you do today? And most importantly, what kind of legacy are you leaving for your children? One that empowers them to set priorities, to take at least one day each week to recuperate and be with loved ones? Or one that pushes them to keep doing, doing, doing—constantly chasing the hamster wheel of a life spent in motion rather than in stillness?

Perhaps the most important question to ask yourself is this: Don’t you deserve ONE stinking day each week to relax, enjoy yourself, let time coast by without planning, do what strikes your fancy, or nothing at all—to simply be?

It’s no secret that stress and anxiety disorders are at an all-time high in modern society. There are more people regularly taking Xanax and Klonopin than there are taking over-the-counter pain relievers. Nearly every illness—mental, physical, or even deadly—is rooted in stress. And despite advancements in healthcare and medicine, we are a “sicker” world than ever before.

Could taking back our Sundays be the cure? Or at least a start? Could it be that shutting down technology, turning off phones, not answering emails, not working, not spending money, and not leaving your home for just one day could help us lead happier, more fulfilled lives? The only way to find out is to try it. Reclaim your Sunday for what it is—a day of rest, a day of being, a day to celebrate the people and things you love in life.

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Funny enough, Valentine’s Day was originally dedicated to two Christians named Valentine, who tragically died in AD 197 and AD 269. What’s romantic about that? And yet, every year around February 14th, people make the same simple request: “Will you be my Valentine?” Why would anyone want to be someone’s Christian martyr?

It wasn’t until the 1300s that February 14th became associated with romance. In 1382, Geoffrey Chaucer composed the poem Parliament of Foules to honor the engagement of the 13-year-old King of England, Richard II, to the 14-year-old Anne of Bohemia. So, what may seem illegal now was once quite romantic in the 1300s.

By the Middle Ages, lovers were engaging in an annual ritual of exchanging notes, referring to each other as “valentines.” Many of the legends about the original Valentine martyrs, including one where one of the two St. Valentines gave his jailer’s daughter a note that said “From your Valentine” before his execution, were likely invented during this period. Everyone can appreciate a good love story!

By the 1800s, Valentine’s Day had spread to the United States. Today, the Greeting Card Association approximates that one billion Valentine cards are sent every year. (Women are mostly to blame for this, as they make up 85% of Valentine’s Day card purchasers.)

This year, more than ever, people will be exchanging valentines over the World Wide Web, likely in the form of “e-cards.” In fact, many people will even meet each other on the internet, whether by their own initiative or through an online dating website. Some of these people may even get married. The world of dating has drastically changed, but aren’t the rules still pretty much the same?

Whether you’re looking at the 1300s or the new millennium, courtship and dating are simple concepts. But they have always caused anguish for those searching for love or those who are already deep in it. In the spirit of Valentine’s Day, let’s take a look at some modern-day dating issues that keep coming up year after year. (And every one of them has probably had an episode of HBO’s Sex and the City dedicated to it.)

First Date Jitters

Whether you’re a newly divorced 40-year-old man, a barely adolescent girl, or a college frat boy, a first date will probably make you nervous!

First, you have to decide on the setting. Should you go to a movie, go out to eat, or go bowling? Do you want to keep it casual, or do you want to try to make it the most romantic evening ever? There really is no right or wrong answer to these questions.

(Except for the whole movie idea—how are you supposed to get to know your date while chomping on popcorn and staring at a big cinema screen? In fact, if you even try to engage in conversation, you’ll likely get shushed by other moviegoers. A movie can be part of the date, but it shouldn’t be the main event. Instead, consider going out to eat first. It just may make it easier to get cozy with your date when you settle down in those theater seats.)

It’s important to determine from the start what kind of mood you want to set. If you’d like to keep it light and conversation-oriented, why not go out for coffee one afternoon? If you’re looking for a more steamy get-together, take your date out for fine cuisine and dancing.

But the number one rule of a first date is (drum roll)… to be yourself. This may seem counter-intuitive, but while you want to make a good first impression, it makes little sense to try on a new personality or pretend to be interested in subjects you’re not familiar with. There are only two outcomes here: either your date will immediately see through the act and you won’t get a second date, or your date will fall for your facade, and you’ll have to keep it up. But for what purpose? It’s better to have a bad first date and move on to the next love interest than to turn your dating life into a TV show or movie, where you’re constantly hiding your true identity. Unless you’re Superman or Cinderella, that doesn’t work in the long run.

Another question that might pop up on your first date is: “To kiss or not to kiss?” This is another tough question to answer with a blanket statement. It really depends on you and your date. It’s best not to force anything; instead, gauge how the night is going and react accordingly. Keep in mind, though, that sometimes it’s best to leave them wanting more. But not everyone has such self-control, and it’s hard not to respond when pure chemistry is knocking on the door!

Online Dating

With each passing year, the idea of meeting a love interest over the internet becomes less and less, well, strange! As Americans continue to pursue time-consuming careers and find it easier to socialize online (often through social networking sites like MySpace), it seems natural to interact over the web. After all, the same people you’d meet online are probably the same ones you’d meet at the grocery store!

But is online dating for you? Just as you’d be cautious about a stranger you meet in a bar, you should be skeptical of a stranger you meet on the Internet, maybe even more so. Fortunately, many legitimate dating websites exist today—like Match.com—that gather extensive profiles of aspiring daters and pair them to see if sparks fly. While this may seem more scientific than romantic, considering that matchmakers have been popular for hundreds of years (sometimes in the form of the parents of a single person), online dating doesn’t seem that odd. So, if you’re too busy to find the love of your life the conventional way, why not give online dating a try?

The Secret to Love

Dating can be exciting and fun, but it can also be a total nightmare if you go into it with too many expectations. This year, don’t prepare for your most impassioned, romantic Valentine’s Day yet. Most couples don’t look back on that Valentine’s Day dinner as the happiest memory of their relationship. Instead, they may fondly recall that time they were on their way to the opera, got lost, and ended up going to McDonald’s instead. So, the best way to approach love is not to expect it to unfold like it does in a movie. He or she won’t always say the right thing, and there certainly won’t be a lovely musical score to tell you when to make the first move.

After all is said and done, it’s likely that Cupid’s one wish for lovers, friends, and family everywhere is that the thoughtful, affectionate words exchanged on Valentine’s Day are exchanged every other day of the year, too. As it’s been said a trillion times, in a variety of ways: you’ve got to give love to get it.

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Ancient Greeks held a spring festival in honor of Rhea, the mother of gods and goddesses. The Greek celebration involved honey cakes, drinks, and flowers at dawn on the festival day. Ancient Romans also had a festival to honor Cybele, a mother goddess. The festival of Cybele lasted three days and became notorious enough to have her followers banished from Rome. For the ancient Celts, the first milk of the ewes marked the beginning of celebrations in honor of mothers.

In the early seventeenth century, Britons began observing Mothering Sunday. This occasion started as a holiday for servants, who were encouraged to return home, bringing a special mothering cake, to visit their mothers. Mothering Sunday was observed on the fourth Sunday in Lent.

The Birth of Mother’s Day in the United States

In the United States, three women were involved in the creation of Mother’s Day. One of these women, Julia Ward Howe, was known for writing the words to The Battle Hymn of the Republic. In 1870, she tried to issue a peace manifesto at an international peace conference. By 1872, she was actively promoting the idea of a Mother’s Day for peace. Her Mother’s Day for Peace eventually took place in 18 cities and continued for about 30 years until Mrs. Howe moved on to other activities and ceased financing the observance.

Mrs. Howe was influenced by Anna Reeves Jarvis, who started “Mothers’ Work Days” in 1858 in an effort to improve health and safety conditions for workers. During the Civil War, she mobilized women to help the wounded, regardless of which side of the conflict they were on. Anna Reeves Jarvis also took up the cause of Mother’s Day, sharing Mrs. Howe’s vision of a day of peace. Upon her death in 1905, Mrs. Jarvis’ daughter, also named Anna, made a promise to herself to continue her mother’s work and establish a day to honor mothers. In 1907, in memory of her mother, the younger Anna distributed white carnations to every mother in attendance at her mother’s church in West Virginia.

The following year marked a significant moment in the history of Mother’s Day and for Anna Jarvis. Her mother’s church instituted an annual Sunday service honoring mothers. Though it was not immediately successful, the first bill proposing a Mother’s Day holiday was presented in the U.S. Senate.

Anna Jarvis then gave up her job and began working full-time to establish Mother’s Day. She wrote to anyone she thought had influence—including legislators, women’s groups, clergy, and businessmen—to persuade them to support the holiday. In 1909, Mother’s Day began being observed by other countries, including Canada and Mexico. By 1914, President Woodrow Wilson signed a resolution establishing Mother’s Day as a national holiday in the United States. Unlike Mrs. Howe’s day for mothers, which had links to public activism for peace, the government’s resolution emphasized the role of women in their families.

The tradition of purchasing cards and flowers came shortly after the holiday was established. Distressed by the increasing commercialism of Mother’s Day, Anna Jarvis eventually campaigned against the holiday. She died in poverty in 1948.

Today, Mother’s Day is celebrated around the world as sons and daughters of all ages use gifts and cards to tell their moms how important they are. And, although Anna Jarvis might disagree with the method, the message is still one of honoring mothers.

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