Dr. Kate Roberts' Expert Tips for Navigating Valentine's Day
GoLocalProv Lifestyle Team
Dr. Kate Roberts' Expert Tips for Navigating Valentine's Day
Advice for singles
“Try to do something about being single in anticipation of Valentine’s Day,” advises Dr. Roberts. “Sign up online for dating sites or try a seven minute dating event. Push yourself to strike up a conversation with people when you have opportunities.”
New relationships
Valentine’s Day can be tricky for those in a new relationship but Dr. Roberts suggests keeping it light, “Clearly you're not yet each other's Valentines so decide together if you want to acknowledge the day.”
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTAs for new couples deliberating what type of gifts to buy on another, Dr. Roberts offers the following advice. “It's always a challenge to buy gifts for a partner who is new and unfamiliar and that you don't have a lot of history with. You want to impress them because if it’s new you’re excited, but it needs to be appropriate and simple to fit the occasion of a new romance.”
Dr. Roberts recommends buying a small gift that has meaning to the person who’s giving the gift. “If you're a fan of a certain band you might want to give your new partner your favorite album. Or if there's a book you love you might want to buy that book and share it with your partner. A small token acknowledgment indicating that the person is special and meaningful to you but not where you're going to invest a lot of time and money into their present.”
Trouble in paradise
For couples that are having difficulties, Dr. Roberts suggests that this could be a great time to reconnect. “Think of three things that made you fall in love with your partner and highlight them in a card or gift on Valentine's Day.”
And what about a troubled relationship that is on the verge of ending? According to Dr. Roberts, an individual should never prolong a breakup because it’s nearing Valentine’s Day.
“If somebody wants to end a relationship it's hard to hide it from his or her partner. The risk of their partner knowing that something is wrong or that they're not being told everything is high and so therefore it's best to end a relationship if you know it’s over and not wait for Valentine’s Day to come and go. Additionally, ending a troubled relationship sooner than later allows you to be more sensitive to your partner’s feelings," argues Dr. Roberts.
Dr. Kate Roberts
For more than twenty-five years, Dr. Kate Roberts has helped children and families navigate through the ever evolving world of relationships. As a licensed psychologist, family therapist, and couples counselor as well as a wife and mother of two, Dr. Kate offers a unique and highly qualified perspective in her practice, in the media and in her blogs on Psychology Today, Empowering Parents, and Nobullying.com.
12 Valentine's Day Events in RI
Most Romantic Couple Contest
XO Café, Providence
Now through February 7, 2014, contestants can submit their inspired story of romance in 500 words or less for the chance to win a gourmet Valentine’s Day dinner for two with wine pairings, as prepared by Executive Chef Marty Lyons.
For more information or to submit an entry, please visit www.xocafe.com.
Black Valentine's Day Celebration
Ocean Mist, Matunuck
Ocean Mist knows Valentine's Day can be either an awesome holiday or a very annoying one, so they are choosing to celebrate Black Valentine’s Day. Come celebrate everyday love and friendship with a spectacular dance party. All you awesome singletons and even you adorable couples - go down to Ocean Mist and check out what exactly black valentine's is all about.
For more details, go here.
1st Annual Sweatheart Dance
Mount Hope Farm, Bristol
Celebrate Valentine's Day in Bristol at the 1st Annual Sweetheart Dance at Mount Hope Farm on Saturday, Feb. 15 from 8pm to 11pm. Festivities include cash bar, cupcakes and other goodies. Also, enjoy tunes by Luke Renchan Entertainment, one of RI's premiere DJ services. Prizes will also e awarded for best Valentine-themed outfits.Tickets are $10.
Reserve your ticket now by calling 401-254-1745 or click here.
Farmhouse Valentine's Special
Langworthy Farm, Westerly
Show that special someone you care by booking a Valentine's Day Special at Langworthy Farm. This two-night stay includes a full New England breakfast each morning and a special wine and chocolate tasting for two. Rates start at $270.
To make a reservation, call 401-322-7791.
Valentine's Day Dinner
Ocean House, Watch Hill
End Valentine’s Day on a romantic note this year with a spectacular dinner in Seasons at the Ocean House. Ocean House chefs will take you through five palate-enticing courses, each highlighting the best of the New England bounty. Celebrate one another and the passion that you share over a decadent dessert.
Price: $95/ per person (plus tax and gratuity); Wine pairing is an additional $40/ per person.
Click here to reserve your table.
Month of Love Special
The Attwater, Newport
Surprise your sweetie by sweeping him/her away to Newport. Stay two nights or more between February 6-28, 2014 (excluding Feb 14-17, 2014) and receive chocolate covered strawberries, a long stem rose and a box of Lark Fine Foods artisan cookies - all complimentary.
For more details, go here or call 401-846-7444.
Valentine's Day at the Inn
The Weekapaug Inn, Weekapaug
Surprise your sweetheart this Valentine’s Day with a spectacular four-course dinner in The Restaurant at the Weekapaug Inn. Enjoy intimate conversation in their candlelit dining area and steal breathtaking views of the star flecked New England sky from across the pond. Sip a cocktail (or two) in the Garden Room and pull your lover close as you relax by the glow of the crackling fire. The Weekapaug Inn is the destination for love this February.
Price: $80/ person (plus tax and gratuity)
Click here to claim your table.
2nd Annual Cupid Ball
Center by the Blackstone, Pawtucket
You're invited to attend the 2nd Annual Cupid Ball - a Pink Tie Affair at the Center by the Blackstone. The evening includes pink wine upon arrival, hors d'oeuvres, four course meal station provided by Pamfilio's, and entertainment provided by WRIK Entertainment.
Prices: $60 per individual or $100 per couple.
Click here to buy tickets or call 401- 724-2200.
Parent's Night Out
The Children's Workshop, all RI locations
Would you like a night out for Valentine’s Day? Bring the kids to The Children’s Workshop! They will provide supervision, fun, entertainment and snacks for the kids while parents enjoy a night off. This service is FREE and open to the community! You do not need to enroll to take advantage of this great event. Space is limited. Please RSVP by February 7th.
The Children’s Workshop has 12 locations throughout Rhode Island.
For more information, click here.
Valentine's Day Concert
Blithewold Mansion, Bristol
Opera Providence will present “A Happy Valentine’s Day Concert” on Friday Friday, Feb. 14th, at 7pm and Sunday, Feb. 16th at 3pm at the Blithewold Mansion. The event features the voices of the Opera Providence Ensemble. All concert tickets are $40 per person. Tickets for the entire concert series are $75 per person.
For more information please contact the Opera Providence office at 401-331-6060 or visit their website.
Valentine's Day Burgers
Harry's Bar & Burger, Providence
Harry’s Bar & Burger is celebrating Valentine’s Day weekend with a selection of menu specials available Friday, February 14th through Sunday, February 16th. Located at 121 North Main Street, Harry's will feature Fried Mozzarella Triangles with marinara sauce ($3.50); Harry’s Cheesy Lover Burger topped with house made mac and cheese, bacon, lettuce, pickle, and special sauce on a toasted potato roll ($6.50), and Fried Oreos dusted with powdered sugar ($2.99).
For more information, please call 401-228-7437 or visit www.harrysbarburger.com.
An Exclusive Dining Experience
Aldrich Mansion, Warwick
Make your special someone feel like they're the most important person in the world this Valentine's Day by partaking in an exclusive dining experience in the opulent, historic Aldrich mansion. Enjoy a three-course prix fixe menus prepared on site by Executive Chef Al Langeveld.
Price: $145 per couple, incl. gratuity, taxes, complimentary glass of champagne, cash bar, live music during cocktails, and free parking. RSVP by Feb. 6 with menu selections.
For more information, go here or call 401-739-6850.
