A Month of Love

    As we approach the month of February, I have been feeling surrounded by love and relationships during this time. I’ve been attending friend’s weddings almost monthly, my own recent engagement, and planning a Valentine’s Day celebration. In the midst of all of the excitement, it can be hard to remember to apply the fundamentals of a healthy relationship. Whether you’re newly engaged, married for decades, dating, or navigating any meaningful relationship, connection doesn’t happen automatically. It requires intention, presence, and compassion—especially when life feels busy or heavy. 

 In today’s fast-paced world of work schedules, family responsibilities, mental health challenges and daily stressors can quickly take over much needed quality time together and intentional acts of love and support. My partner and I try to do our best to set aside intentional time together where connection is our main goal. Of course, it is fun and exciting to go out to a fancy dinner or go on a trip, but these moments of connection don’t have to cost anything. Some of our favorite “no cost” activities include a weekly walk that we designate as our time to check-in with each other, device-free dinners, and googling “questions to ask your partner” to create new conversations. Setting aside time to connect is a necessity to maintaining a strong connection. 

     One of the most important lessons I’ve learned, both personally and professionally, is that relationships are rarely a perfect 50/50 split. Sometimes they are, but often they aren’t. There are seasons when one partner may only be able to give 20% while the other carries 80%, or times when it’s 90/10 due to illness, grief, burnout, anxiety, depression, or major life transitions. Supporting your partner during difficult times might look like, taking on extra responsibilities, listening to them without trying to fix and reminding them why you love them. It’s also important to understand how to communicate your needs, such as, “I’m feeling stressed, and I could use some help” or “I really just need you to listen, I don’t need advice right now”. 

     As we enter the month of love, I encourage you to consider one person whom you would like to set up intentional connection time. Whether life feels joyful or overwhelming, connection is a way to reduce stress and increase feelings of happiness and security. When we show up for each other, even in uneven seasons, we build deeper trust and resilience. Love thrives when we treat it as a daily practice of listening, supporting, and choosing one another.

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Molly Briceland

About the Author

Molly Briceland, LSW

School-Based Therapist

Molly has a Bachelor of Social Work degree and a Minor in Psychology from Ashland University. She is a Licensed Social Worker and holds specialized training in trust-based relational intervention (TBRI) with special interests in trauma-and stressor-related disorders (RAD, PTSD, Adjustment DO, etc), marital and family issues and anxiety disorders.