Dating 101: Recipe Of Love For The Holidays

I am enchanted by the holiday season. Family and friends are gathering, well-deserved vacation time is near, celebrations that observe the season and our beliefs, and most of all—food.

These are all important attributes of the holidays that I associate with. In my line of work, I take pleasure in creating décor, trying new recipes, and setting an ambiance that incorporates the quintessential emotion of the festivities—love. 

While I work with friends, clients, and loved ones to prepare the perfect presentation of good will and cheer, I encourage myself to always put an innovative twist to an occassion with my services. However, even with my several cookbooks and online cooking resources galore, I struggle with forging my way into the kitchen to create the ultimate undertaking of producing the perfect recipe for myself.

Why is it so much easier for me to decide on cuisines for others? At least, I am thankful that my insight about love/dating flows easier.

As much as I love to cook, I struggle with what to prepare for myself all of the time. While dining out with friends, my ability to choose food items for nutrition is a nuisance to my palate and at times, tries the patience of individuals who suffer in hunger as I decide what to order. I am always the last to decide. Hoping that I can be inspired to deviate from my customary menu selection, I always ask the server for his or her recommendation. Coincidently, while eating at a local restaurant, I received a message about my blog postings from my phone that asked:

“What would be a recipe for love?“

Before we begin our discussion of this recipe, please note that I have tried as well as vicariously learned from others various “recipes of love”—some great and some a disaster. Thus, the above question is complex. So, I began to think about love as a recipe. What ratio of characteristics would it consist of with its ingredients?  

Here are some of my sentiments.

First of all, one should follow the instructions, as they desire. Just as with any recipe, it may require some tweaking before the right product is produced.

20 percent of the ability to be open minded to change—One should adjust the quantity as needed to the specifications in light of their needs/wants of your love language.

30 percent of the desire to find beauty in life and love daily—This additive is important. We can’t afford to lose focus about what truly is important in life. Each day is too precious to nitpick about things or people we can’t change.

50 percent of open communication and truth—This is a crucial component to the recipe. Please keep in mind that your truth may not be that of another. So, honesty is a process based upon our emotional and mental needs through communication. 

Now that the formula base is there, how do we make this recipe come to life? You will know when the time is right.

I know that sounds like a generic response. However, if you trust your instincts, for the most part, you will receive the greatest gift of all beyond the holiday season. Last but certainly not least; what elbow grease do you need to make this recipe work? Start by stirring in a drop of happiness, season it with a little humor and patience, take it out of the oven and allow your love to cool with warmth and compassion, and garnish it with respect and loyalty.

The ingredients prescribed are not just for a couple. They can be used for any relationship that one wishes to cultivate.

Yes, I agree that we might see the base of our ingredients differently. But, the bottom line is that we all desire that magical combination of qualities within our loved ones that makes us feel like an invincible chef.

The spice of life is ultimately a result of learning how to love over and over again. If hope is fleeting for love this holiday season, I hope you can find inspiration, as I do, in the words of author Brenda Ueland:

“The most important things to do in the world are to get something to eat, something to drink and somebody to love you.”

Enjoy finding your recipe!

For more, visit www.designingloveinc.com.