Your "Je ne sais quoi" of Love

Valentine’s Day brings about an array of behaviors and emotions all wrapped up into one word—love. 

As with any holiday, this one word is put on display as a commercial expression of desire for one day, not including the pre-Valentine’s Day advertisements.  Whether we like it or not, marketing surrounds us with intimate restaurant venues, hotel packages, jewelry, gifts with hearts/candy, and oh, yes the undeniable infatuation to have a sweetie if not forever, at least for a day. 

As I prepared to write about the innocent, magical, and oh-so-enduring ways that falling in love can be expressed, I asked myself, friends, and clients, what constitutes the value of love for so many on this day? Trust, honesty, communication, sincerity, faithfulness and mutual attraction are all some words that I heard expressed. Indeed, there are too many characteristics to list. But, after consulting numerous single and coupled clients, I have come up with one phrase that is distinctive—"Je ne sais quoi" (French for a certain “indefinable special quality” that no one can explain that captures your heart). 

Let’s face it. We all want to be celebrated, cherished and respected like the kings and queens upon the throne of our universe. Even though I feel that these types of sentiments should be bestowed upon us by loving ourselves each day, this unique French phrase in light of relationships is enticing enough to explore.

So, how do I describe the indisputable allure from a woman or man that makes one’s heart flutter, our emotional and physical senses heightened, and financials readily available for courting? In the words of Janice Markowitz, “If you have to think about whether you love someone or not, then the answer is no. When you love someone, you know it.” Not withstanding the external and internal factors of life that confront us all, we look for an escape in being with a person that yields a sense of belonging and comfort. We wish to evade our insecurities and ultimately lose ourselves in the inhibitions of one who can take us away from it all. Thus, once we happen upon that extraordinary emotional and spiritual connection through the physical manifestation of a human being—we are hooked!

The phrase, "Je ne sais quoi" can at times almost take on a superfluous meaning, yielding one individual too much magnetism to evoke. Therefore, balance is the key. Each person possesses the potentialities to create, nurture, and destroy love. So, please be aware of the responsibility that you have to another’s heart.

Regardless of the characteristic in a mate that captivates your senses, both parties must always be open to change while at the same time maintaining the very essence of what you found attractive. So, I challenge you to embrace your "Je ne sais quoi" or  “it factor” that makes you a beautiful human being 365 days of the year.

We are divinely, uniquely, and certifiably made with giving and receiving love as a part of our purpose. Once you tap into your power, you won’t need cupid to pursue love for you. 

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Designing Love, Inc. would like to hear from you.  In return, we are offering a $200 gift certificate and a $75 floral arrangement from Mocha Rose Floral Design for a picnic delivered for two to your door or at a private scenic grove area-the outdoor option perhaps when the weather is warmer.

All you have to do is write to me and answer one of the following questions in a one-page response by Feb. 10. 

Please email your submissions to neal@designingloveinc.com.  

• At what time in your recent past have you felt most passionate and alive?
• What does a good relationship look and feel like?
• How do you show love and appreciation to your partner?

The winner will be announced the week of Feb. 13 in my blog just in time for Valentine’s Day.  In addition, your submission will be used as my muse for my Valentine’s Day blog for the Patch.

I thank you for journeying with me thus far through my explorations on love, but more importantly I thank you for still loving! 

For more love insight and info about upcoming Valentine’s Day events, visit www.designingloveinc.com or http://www.facebook.com/events/291341780924012/