On February 12, 2011, we had a wonderful discussion with Dr. Elisa English.  The conversation was all about trying to understand that Valentine's Day is just one day in our wonderful lives and we should strive for having that Valentine's feeling everyday.  Her refreshing, down-to-earth dialogue was extremely insightful and educating.  Yes, I did receive some more "edumacation" lol!  However, all jokes aside, we are living in some really difficult times in history and the only way to truly manage it all is to take better care of ourselves.  This is the only way we can be better in our homes and society.  She gave us "10 Tip for Lasting Love" and I have listed them below.

1. Self-Mastery: Try to avoid your undeniable ability to change others and work on you.  Nobody can learn you like you.  It's important to take time and identify what makes you happy, fulfilled and at peace.
2. Self-Time: Roughly, 50% of women and 40% of men are single or better yet relationship depleted, at any given time.  This does not mean there are no people in our life draining our soul, spirit and energy.  The simple fact that "people currency" is deposited in our account and we remain in the emotional "red" can throw us into an unhealthy state of mind and make us feel "oh so blue".
3. Self-Spiritual "Groundedness": If you believe in a higher power, turn to the principles and value that empower you and your relationships.  However, be careful not to solely depend on spirituality to deposit into your emotional bank.  Thus faith without work can have you question conviction when your prayers are not answered.
4. Self-Release: In order to experience happiness with others you must rid yourself of negative emotions.  Immediately withdraw jealousy, pride, greed, ego pampering and envy and introduce positive energies through humility, love, trust,  understanding, patience and empathy.
5. Self-Reflect: On your imperfections.  Thus, this will help you throw away those rose or should I say "red" colored lenses and see the world from another perspective.
6. Self-Objectification: Refers to the psychological process by which we internalize how others perceive us.  We must depose of this depressive and harmful mood damper.  It is healthy to appreciate and encourage constructive criticism or even helpful advice about perceived areas that are in need of improvement.
7. Self-Care: Refers to how we treat our mind, body and soul.  The practice of eating a balanced meal and exercising routinely must be mastered.  This principle applies whether we are in, between or out of love.  The better you feel, the better you look and the happier you will be in our out of a relationship.
8. Self-Confidence: Refers to how much we believe in our self from a realistic vantage point.  If yo do no believe in you no one else will.  A confident person is like a magnet, people are drawn simply from the energy that exudes when confidence enters a room.  Self-confident people inspire others.  "Dare to inspire."
9. Self-Control: Refers to resisting temptation, thinking before you act and the demonstration of patience.  Failure to master self-control could result in obesity, substance abuse and impulsive destructive behaviors, including establishing unhealthy relationships.  Research suggests self-control can be stimulated positively or negatively by our social influence regardless of age.  Therefore it is important to choose the company you keep wisely; it could be a matter of life or death.
10. Self-Gratification: Refers to the ability and understanding of how to please your mind, body and soul in ways that are healthy, productive and positive.  Do the hard work of finding, dissecting and accepting yourself - gratification, desires and pleasures.  The lack of front end work and "self" will certainly result in unhappy relationships on the back end.

Dr. Elisa can be reached at: askdrelisa.com; Facebook: Elisa English, Twitter: Elisa English; (866) 650-2676.

Thank you so much for joining us, sharing your expertise and the warm dialogue.  I'm sure we will be hearing from you again.