< PreviousSMART HEALTHY WOMEN MAGAZINE - PAGE 59Here are my five top reasons to celebrate the love this Valentine’s Day:1It makes you pay attention In my experience people who say they ‘grew apart’ did so because they stopped paying attention. You can be together happily for decades, but only if you give your relationship the acknowledgement and attention it deserves. When was the last time you really looked at your partner or asked about their thoughts and dreams? Use this day as a chance to hone in on your loved one and what’s important to them. And if you’re single, taking notice of those around you is a great idea also, as you never know who might actually be a potential partner waiting in the wings.2You can celebrate your love In a time where divorce is frequent and single life is the norm, there’s even more reason to acknowledge how wonderful your relationship is. It’s a day where you can celebrate your union and remember why you came together in the first place, something you probably don’t get around to doing very often. Even if it feels a bit silly or indulgent, make sure you lock in that dinner; go for a romantic stroll; or write your partner a love letter and tell them how much you appreciate them. Love is a blessing and should always be celebrated.loved one and what’s important to them. And if you’re single, taking notice of those around you is a great idea also, as you never know who might actually be a potential partner waiting in the wings. PAGE 60 - SMART HEALTHY WOMEN MAGAZINE3 It makes you prioritise your relationship Most days and weeks are full of work or family commitments so it can be hard to factor in special time for you and your partner. February 14 means there will always be at least one day of the year (but hopefully a lot more!) where you deliberately and consciously put your relationship first – something which is really important for all couples. Even with the demands of modern life, you need to take this time out for yourselves. 4You can be adventurousYou might feel shy about suggesting your partner and you do something more romantic than what you’re both used to, but Valentine’s Day gives you that opportunity to let loose and celebrate your love without hesitation. So go to that super fancy restaurant, take that swing dancing class, or let the grandparents look after the kids while you have an extravagant weekend getaway – you deserve it!SMART HEALTHY WOMEN MAGAZINE - PAGE 615It gives hopeFor couples who are struggling, Valentine’s Day can be a chance to start afresh and focus on their love and what’s im-portant to them both. It’s an opportunity to really connect and work through any issues you might be facing. And for those who are still looking for a soul mate, it’s also a great time to put yourselves out there and be open to wel-coming someone new into your life, whilst also appreciating all the love from family and friends you already have. After all, this event is about love, no matter what form it comes in, so embrace the occasion and make sure you cele-brate the love this Valentine’s Day! PAGE 62 - SMART HEALTHY WOMEN MAGAZINE 12 SIGNS OF DEVOTION by Estelle WilliamsWhen it comes to love and passion, the way that each Sun Sign expresses their nature is as varied as the world is wide. I think it’s useful to think of a thermometer when gauging the temperament of each of the signs when in love. The mercury will be rising quickly with some signs where with others there’s barely a quiver in the quicksilver, and you’d be mistaken to think that it’s been frozen with neglect.Some of the signs, such as the ardent Aries, blow like a hot wind and will enthusiastically pursue the object of their affection, but once that love is captured, they can cool their heels pretty quickly. The Scorpion lass has a passion that is a long slow burn, and you may not realise that she’s got you in her sights until you’re already in her trap. And the cool Aquarian may seem not to give two tosses about love and tenderness, but you’d be quite wrong if you judged her as too cool a cucumber for a surprisingly hot tryst.So let’s take a look and see how each of the signs like to express their desire, and get some clues on how they love to love.SMART HEALTHY WOMEN MAGAZINE - PAGE 63AriesIf an Aries has her eye on you, there will be no mistake. She’s likely to come right out and tell you in her direct and outgoing way. Even if she doesn’t declare her pas-sion, she will still find a way to get you alone and then there’ll be no mistaking her intentions. She likes a challenge, so don’t respond to her attention too enthusiastically though.TaurusAs she’s under the rulership of the planet Venus, The Bull is a sensual creature in her appetites – both culinary and in the love stakes. She may woo you with an irresistible gourmet meal, or give you the best foot rub of your life. She is not interested in a boisterous courtship, but if you enjoy the good things in life then she’s your girl. GeminiThe girl who is born under the sign of the Twins is one of three signs who represent a dual nature, which means you’ll never be sure which part of her nature is in residence at any time. She invented flirting and she is looking for her love affairs to be stimulating and FUN! As she’s a natural communicator, be prepared to open up about every aspect of your life because she wants to know it all. You will need to be an intellectual match to gain her devotion. PAGE 64 - SMART HEALTHY WOMEN MAGAZINECancerThe Crab is the most touchingly devoted partner when it comes to love and she knows how to make the object of her desire feel adored and cared for. She has a deep desire for a stable hearth and home, and will look for partners who can give her the sense of grounded emotional safety that she craves. She feels most herself when in a stable relationship with no surprises.LeoIf you want to woo a Lioness you had better be prepared to engage in the romance of the century. In love as in every other area of her life, she is royalty and will take no timid advances but will need to be matched with an equal in status, ambition and good taste. She loves to be in love and you may need to prove your status again and again to be worthy of her good graces.VirgoWhen you fall in love with a Virgin, you may have to wait some time for this cautious girl to hand over her heart. She has likely been hurt before and so it’s a case of once-bitten-twice-shy so be prepared to arm yourself with patience and kindness, and she will reward you with a love and devotion that is built on an authentic need to care for and nurture those that she loves, especially her family. SMART HEALTHY WOMEN MAGAZINE - PAGE 65LibraThe girl born under the sign of the Scales is another dual sign who is, above all else, looking for a balanced and fair partnership in her love life. She’s ruled by the sensual Venus too, and is likely known for her grace and good looks. She’s sure to have many suitors, and often more than one at once as she hates to disappoint or be rude.Don’t be mad as she can’t help it, even though she often comes across as indecisive.ScorpioIf you want a passion that burns long and slow, then falling in love with a girl born under the sign of the Scorpion is going to help. She’s another sign that values the emotions, and will give herself up, body and soul to the right match. Think twice before you double-cross her in love though, as revenge is her middle name, and you do not want to feel the sting in her tail. SagittariusThe key to capturing the heart of the Archer is to let her have her freedom. Her ideal mate will love philosophy, travel and the adventure as much as she, and will be alongside her gleefully enjoying the latest jaunt. She loves the truth, even though that truth may be somewhat of a broad concept and not the same for everyone, so find out which side of the fence she’s on before you take a stand. PAGE 1 - SMART HEALTHY WOMEN MAGAZINECapricornThe SeaGoat is going to be checking you out as a worthy prospect long before she catches your eye. If you have been looked over and found suitable, then you will find out about it eventually. She is a master of making the most of opportunity and will be looking at the long term viability of any relationship she enters, as well as her prospects for enhancing her reputation. Don’t disappoint her.AquariusYou will be forgiven for thinking that the girl who goes by the sign of the Water-bearer just wants to be good mates. She has a vast network of social connections and interests, and since she is under the rulership of Uranus, she’s going to surprise you with her insights, actions and plans, which will be unlike anything you’ve done before. Life with her will never be dull.PiscesAnd we come to our last dual sign – that of the Fishes. The symbol for Pisces has the two fish swimming in opposite directions and being ruled by Neptune, this girl often confuses which direction she should be swimming. Once she works out in love, as in every area of life, that downstream is the easiest, safest and most rewarding, she will eventually go with the flow and find her true love. SMART HEALTHY WOMEN MAGAZINE - PAGE 67Next >