Cut Cupid Some Slack

Valentine's Day!

What a great idea to set aside a day for remembering those we love. It's even more than just remembering; it's romancing.

But it is also a holiday that many dread.

Because of the romantic tradition of this holiday, many hearts feel isolated, alone and left out. Many dread it so much, that they will not even venture out to a restaurant or movie on this day that seems to be set-aside for lovers.

Why are so many people alone?

Why are Cupid's arrows not landing?

While I don't feel I have satisfactory answers to these questions, I would like to share a few perspectives here for us all to ponder. Agree or disagree, perhaps these insights can be helpful.

Let's take a look at a few of the arrows many ask to be shot from Cupid's arsenal and see if this helps us understand this dilemma a little better.

Arrow 1 - The Bulls-Eye Arrow

With this arrow, Cupid is asked to hit dead center of the bulls-eye. This is what I call the must-be-perfect-to-be-my-love-interest arrow.

Is it at all possible that the perfection sought by many in relationships is only a mirage? Is it possible that the lofty dreams of relationship bliss that leaves one soaring away on clouds of romance and splendor to live happily ever after is only that, dreams?

While I am not at all suggesting significant differences aren't valid concerns, there comes a time in this world of imperfections and human imperfections that one has to decide if they are going to keep the ideal and give up the person or keep the person and give up the ideal.

I'm so glad my wife chose to give up the ideal and keep the person!

Arrow 2 - The Flaming Arrow

Leading with the body! Body Heat. The fires of passion and sex!

Leading with the body seems to be the perspective of many in their approach to dating and relationship building these days. How many relationships have sizzled out due to a premature embracing of sexual desires?

These arrows from Cupid's arsenal often burn out before they hit their mark.

The question we like to ask is: Is the heartbeat of relationships found more in "Being Wanted for a Night of a Lifetime" or in "Being Wanted for a Lifetime of Nights"?

Love for a night is easy. It's biological! Love for a Lifetime of Nights is something else all together. We believe it's what we were made for.

The point I am trying to make here is when one leads with the body, don't be surprised when the flaming arrow burns out before anything of depth and substance develops.

Arrow 3 - The Shot-In-The-Dark Arrow

You see this arrow being used so often in reality shows.

I find it interesting how couples try to get together based on feelings, a selection of friends and family members or through the dictates of a national television audience. Often, in this scenario, very little time is really spent getting to know one another.

Love is so much more than an attraction. It is so much more than a feeling. It is even so much more than physical desire. Love isn't blind! It has as a foundation the building blocks of likeability. It is feelings of love ignited by the flames of likeability.

You can't just ask yourself if you are in love! You must ask yourself if you are in like.

It's not that you like "how they make you feel". It's not that you like having something to do when they're around. It's not even that you like your life more with them than you do without them. What really matters is that you like the person they are.

This takes getting to know one another.

An arrow shot in the dark is going to have difficulty finding a target.

So, the next time you find yourself lonely and alone, cut Cupid some slack and you just may want to look into what arrows you are requiring released from Cupid's arsenal.

(C)Copyright 2004 advice-for-lifetime-relationships.com

All Rights Reserved!

Stanley J. Leffew is the Author of, "How To Be Wanted For a Lifetime of Nights and Not Just a Night of a Lifetime". His website is based on this same theme. Find out for yourself why feeding desire and leading-with-the-body in life and relationships fails to satisfy the longing of the heart to connect by visiting http://advice-for-lifetime-relationships.com

In The News:


New York Daily News

Kristin Davis dating screenwriter Aaron Sorkin?
New York Daily News
The “Sex and the City” star, 47, has been dating Oscar-winning scribe Aaron Sorkin, according to multiple reports. "It's been going on for around six weeks," a source told E! News. "They are really happy. They have actually known each other a while ...
Sources: Kristin Davis Dating Oscar-Winning Writer Aaron SorkinE! Online
Kristin Davis dating Aaron Sorkin?San Francisco Chronicle (blog)
Kristen Davis dating Aaron Sorkin?Sky News Australia
PerezHilton.com -Newsday
all 47 news articles »

Dating websites get inventive with games, apps
Reuters
By Gianna Palmer | NEW YORK (Reuters) - Nearly two decades since the start of online dating, the match-making sites that launched millions of relationships are spicing things up with online games and going high tech and offline to produce more happy ...

and more »

Teen Dating: First Relationships Can Turn Abusive
Patch.com
Sadly, in our communities, teen dating violence and unhealthy relationships among teens are becoming more prevalent than ever. According to SafeAtSchools.org, there have been at least 20 teen dating abuse murders in California in the last three years.

and more »

Clarifying Questions for Dating Singles
Huffington Post
After the divorce, when the time feels right to start dating again, there are a few things to keep in mind. What is going on with another person is not always obvious on the surface. Imagine if you could gather information and therefore pay more ...


PR Web (press release)

Dating Tips for Men Revealed in New Report From Top Dating Expert
PR Web (press release)
Most men looking for dating tips for men are essentially looking to learn two key concepts: how to meet women and how to keep women around, says Dating Expert Carlos Xuma in his new report. Men who can learn how to meet women anywhere are halfway to ...

and more »

Online Dating, Now With A Little Help From Your Friends
Huffington Post
For years, online dating sites have promised that their almighty algorithms could turn strangers into soulmates. Online dating services such as theComplete.me and Circl.es are looping singles' friends into the matchmaking process in an effort to ...


Monsters and Critics.com

Kelly Clarkson: Dating made me fit
Monsters and Critics.com
The original 'American Idol' winner - who recently revealed she was dating the son of her manager for five years, Brandon Blackstock - has admitted that her romance makes her want to look better. She said about her tauter figure: 'I would love to say ...
Kelly ClarksonPeople Magazine
Kelly Clarkson: "I'm Too Happy" With Boyfriend Brandon BlackstockUs Magazine
Kelly Clarkson boyfriend inspired her to get fitMusicrooms.net

all 167 news articles »

The Hot Hits

Zayn Malik Confirms Dating Rumors, but Niall Horan and Harry Styles Are Single ...
Gather Celebs News Channel
Zayn Malik, Harry Styles, and Niall Horan cleared up some recent dating rumors at the Men in Black 3 premiere in NYC. Zayn has been linked to Little Mix member Perrie Edwards; Harry was rumored to be dating Inbetweeners star Emily Atack; and Niall was ...
One Direction Dating Rumours: Harry Styles And Niall Horan Are Single, Zayn ...The Hot Hits
One Direction's Zayn Malik and Little Mix's Perrie Edwards go public with ...Daily Mail
1D's Zayn and Perrie Mix in publicBelfast Telegraph
Sugarscape -Hollywood Life -Ninemsn
all 107 news articles »

New York Post

Adam Levine's ex now dating Jared Leto: report
New York Post
Adam Levine's ex, Anne V., has moved on and is already dating 30 Seconds to Mars frontman Jared Leto, reports say. "The Voice" judge was reportedly blindsided by his split from Anne V., whose given name is Anne Vyalitsyna, after two years together.
Adam Levine's ex dating Jared Leto: reportNew York Daily News
Jared Leto 'dating Levine's ex'Belfast Telegraph
Adam Levine's Ex Girlfriend Anne Vyalitsyna Dating Jared Leto?Starpulse.com (blog)

all 9 news articles »

Daily Mail

Dating at 38? Men will run a mile. That's what a lonely-heart agency told ...
Daily Mail
By Sarah Bridge The woman at the dating agency was blunt. 'How old are you?' she asked. 'Thirty-eight? Men will run an absolute mile from you. An absolute mile.' I started to regret phoning her. It is one thing suspecting that it was impossible to find ...

Google News

Dating Tips: The First Impression Matters

Ever had a love at first sight encounter? Totally captured... Read More

Use Dating To Your Benefit

The easy way to date is really by empowering yourself.... Read More

8 Deadly Dating Mistakes To Avoid!

Are you dating or in a serious relationship? Did you... Read More

Let Women Talk and Help

Women love to talk (just think of how long they... Read More

Revealed: What Women Want When It Comes to a Guys Looks

As part of my research for a guide to style,... Read More

A Single Mans Astrological Guide to Single Women

ARIES (March 21 - April 19) - She's aggressive with... Read More

Dating Tips from Hollywood

Halle Berry voted as one of the most beautiful women... Read More

Ten Great Holiday Dates For Singles

Dating during the holiday season can be a special treat.... Read More

Where Should You Go On The First Date?

One of the most frequently asked questions in the history... Read More

How to Find True Love Quickly And Easily

How often do you find yourself wishing you could find... Read More

CyberDating Lie Detecting

Did you know that Online Dating is the top moneymaker... Read More

5 Quick Ways to Find Your Next Date

Overwhelmed with family, school, work and volunteer obligations, woman are... Read More

10 Secrets to Online Dating Success

Online dating is a new way to find friends or... Read More

Love Discrimination

Why is it people, especially the media, thinks that looking... Read More

How To Find A Dating Web Site That Is Right For You Today Starting From Scratch

So at last you're sick and tired of the bar... Read More

What is Confident Rapport?

The majority of theories on how to pick up girls... Read More

Still Single for the Holidays? Lucky You!

Oh, no! Christmas, Hanukah, and New Year's Eve are coming,... Read More

Love Notes: What DoYou Mean? Secrets of Clear Communication

Recently a man I had met through match.com sent me... Read More

Dating at Midlife: Whats First?

More American women over 45 are single, than ever before.... Read More

Flowers Leading the Way

Online dating is very popular and also provides a safe... Read More

10 Impressions on Online Dating

Are you a little uncomfortable with the idea of Internet... Read More

7 Tips to Dating Online in Safety

Dating online can be great fun, stimulating and exciting. So... Read More

The First Impression is a Lasting Impression

The first date is the most apprehensive, nerve wreaking event... Read More

Dating Advice! Where Safety Always Comes First

Dating advice for people dating online, where safe dating will... Read More

How to Get More Responses at Online Dating Sites

So, you've decided to join a dating website. You're hoping... Read More