Self Improvement for Beginners

Hey Guys! It’s been a while since I’ve last posted and thought, heck, Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and many of us have trouble thinking of romantic ideas to surprise our loved ones with. I’ve had some trouble myself, thinking up romantic situations for my boyfriend and I. So, here I am, on Self Improvement for Beginners, sharing my experiences, ideas, and thoughts on what you can do for Valentine’s Day.

Know your special someone

It’s important to understand that these suggestions won’t work for everyone. It’s best if you know your special someone well enough to know things like, would he or she prefer something grand and public, or something private and quiet. Do they enjoy the comfort indoors, or do they enjoy the adventure of the outdoors? Knowing what your special other likes and dislikes are important to a successful valentine’s. Ask close friends or relatives if you must.

Have everything planned

When you know what your special other likes and wants, and how your relationship has been lately, then you can start planning your Valentine’s day itinerary. You can take them out to dinner, or stay at home and cook for them. If you feel that you haven’t been spending as much time together, you could plan a day of cuddling and movie watching at home, or perhaps take her out to a quiet dinner where you can talk and catch up.

Always dress well

Even though you’re only spending time at home with your special someone, it’s important to dress well. I don’t mean a full formal tux or evening gown, just not something that’s tattered, faded, or mismatched. Take some time to pick out your clothing and choose which will look the best in your surroundings.

Communicate with each other and enjoy yourself

Although it seems like you’re doing it for the other person, Valentine’s day celebrates a relationship between two people. That’s right, two. You should also enjoy yourself, when you do, usually your date picks up on it and starts to enjoy themselves as well. Don’t get so caught up in your plans that you’re mentally absent in the middle of your dates. Set up everything in advance so you can devote more attention to whomever you’re with.

If there’s a sudden awkward silence, don’t wait for the other person to break it. Since you probably know what they like, try to talk about something that interests them and try to keep the questions open (not answerable by yes or no) and off you.

Stay positive

Prevent yourself from uttering negative, derogatory, or demeaning phrases or words on this day. Show your special someone how much you treasure them. One way of doing this is to compliment them. It doesn’t have to be a flash, showy kind of compliment, but show them that you notice the little things about them. For example, I love the way you did your hair, or You look wonderful, or I feel so lucky being here with you. It may sound a little cheesy, but many people secretly appreciate it.

I love you

Some people say these words a lot, while others barely say it at all. Valentine’s day presents you with a perfect opportunity to tell them how your really feel, how much you love them, and to show and tell them how much you value them for being who they are.


I hope these tips help your on Valentine's Day!


Toodles,
Amy

Sometimes, when I walk to work, I like to look at the people I walk past—the woman jogging with her dog, the man selling newspapers, the boy watering the family’s front lawn. The other day, I noticed that many of the people I passed by look gloomy, sad, and dull—all of them were frowning (or at least had an apathetic look on their face)! Today, I realized that I, myself, had a neutral frown on my face. When I got home from work today, I told myself, “That, that’s what I’m going to write about on Self Improvement for Beginners! Learning how to smile.”

Smiling is not an automatic response for many people. Oftentimes, unless we catch ourselves, our faces settle into a semi-frown, or a frown if we’re stressed. I believe that we should smile more often. As they say, “Smile and the world smiles back at you.”

Smiling offers us the opportunity for a more positive outlook in life. It encourages us to think positive thoughts and it makes us seem more open. Although smiling when you’re alone is an undoubtedly good thing, smiling when others are present is even better. From its natural essence, smiling is an expression of happiness. From its natural form, it’s something to keep not only to ourselves, but we have to share it with others. It is an outward display of joy, but without something to view ourselves by, we cannot see our own smile.

Smiling allows us to go out of ourselves, and opens up opportunities to form relationships with others. On the “I” level, when we seem happier many people will tend to treat us happily as well, which in turn will probably improve our day. On the “other” level, smiling at others will cause a few of them to think we’re crazy, but for most people, it causes an improvement in their day and sometimes, they even smile back.

A key to happiness is not to stay focused on only yourself.

After all this talk about smiles, it’s important to know that the smiles mentioned above are either cordial, backed by good intentions, or a genuine, happy smile. People say that frowns use up a lot more face muscles than smiles. But I think that you shouldn’t smile just because it uses up less facial muscles, smile because you feel happy or because you want to make an effort to brighten yours, and others days up. Remember, Smile and the world smiles with you.


Toodles,
Amy