Hershey Kiss Connection Challenge!

Valentines Day is right around the corner. For many couples it's an exciting time of year. For others, it can be downright painful. Yet others find themselves not knowing quite what to do or where to go to eat to "WOW" their sweetheart.

While holidays can be times to share love in BIG ways, research actually shows that couples who find small and simple ways to connect frequently during the "off-holiday" times are much happier in the long run, compared to couples who occasionally experience big "bursts" of connection. 

There are many small and simple ways to connect with each other, which add cups to your "connection pool" (see my first blog post ever). For example, you might try buying a bag of Hershey's kisses for the Hershey Kiss Connection Challenge. It's a simple idea really. Take one out of the bag for you and share the rest with others. The goal is to share "kisses" with people as a way to strengthen your connection (relationship). You might write a specific compliment or simply "I love you!" on a sticky note or card with a Hershey kiss for him/her. Write several of these and put them where your sweetheart will see them. You can also give them away to anyone you meet! Life is sweeter with a little chocolate!

This also works great with kids! We have placed a Hershey kiss or other treat in their lunch with a little note. It's amazing what a little "kiss" can do! It's simply another way of adding a cup of connection to your connection pool you have with your kids. There are countless ways to do this. Another simple way is by placing your kids' laundry on their bed with a Hershey kiss on top, with an optional note as well. These are great ways of strengthening the foundation of the parenting-pyramid (see previous post on Parenting Pyramid).

My wife dropped by my work today unannounced (it wasn't a holiday!) just to bring a treat and chat. Totally made my day! Small and simple way of adding a cup of connection to our relationship pool to make it deeper.

It took me several years of marriage before I realized that my wife wasn't a big fan of receiving flowers or chocolates on Valentines Day. She would MUCH rather have me surprise her with flowers and treats on days that she didn't expect (CAUTION: your sweetheart might love - and expect - big surprises on Valentines Day, and that's just fine. Learn and follow what he/she prefers!). The point is that happy couples find small and simple ways to connect each day - a note, a hug, a compliment, expressing gratitude, helping out, or even a small Hershey kiss shows that you are thinking of him/her.

So have a great Valentines Day, but remember that one big BANG is like adding a pitcher full of connection to your connection pool, whereas adding daily cups of connection add up much faster over time. Life is about connections! Strengthen them one cup at a time ;)