February. The month of Love.  At least Hallmark says it is.  Everywhere we go there is red, white, and pink hearts, flowers, chocolate and other paraphernalia telling us to remember the ones we love.  Although there is nothing wrong with the stuff that comes along with Valentine's Day, the reality is that we should do doing exactly what Valentine's Day encourages us to do every day, not just February 14.  As a counselor, I know that many things come along in out relationships that prevent us from expressing how we feel.  Our feelings can get hurt, and when that hurt is not validated and anger is harbored.  As that happens walls are slowly built up in the relationship.  Those walls of self-protection can become thicker in time if not dealt with.

As Valentine's Day comes upon us, remember it is just a symbol of what should be happening every day in our relationships.  If you find yourself in a relationship and you recognize a pattern of self-protection, more than likely there is hurt or pain that has not been addressed.  The counselors at Charis Counseling would love to help you walk through the healing process.  

Melissa