V'Day Guide 2021

Keeping the Flame Alive At Every Stage

1^st Stage – Honeymoon/Romantic Euphoria Stage

The beginning of every new relationship is usually accompanied with overwhelming feelings of euphoria – the warm tingly thoughts of your beloved taking centre-stage of most of your waking hours. This “Honeymoon Stage” or “Romantic Phase” can last for between 6 months to 2 years, or even longer, depending on the couple¹.

2^nd Stage – Early Attachment Stage

Following the euphoria of newfound love, lovers will next progress to the “Early Attachment Stage” – at this stage, the relationship would have settled into a comfortable pace/routine, you have introduced each other to your friends and possibly even family and have established some kind of weekdays/weekends routine. You know you’ve entered this stage when you are not missing and pinning for your beloved all 24 hours of the day, you’ll check in on each other periodically over the day but not feel glued to your phone during hours when you are apart. Basically, you’ve gotten more comfortable as a couple, and while the initial euphoria when you first held hands and shared a kiss might have tamed somewhat, now you are more familiar with each other’s food preference, daily routine, pet peeves etc.

3^rd Stage – Crisis Stage

The third stage in a relationship is also referred to as the “Crisis Stage” , and this is often the “Make it or Break It” stage in relationships. Also referred to as “seven-year or five-year itch” stage, couples at this stage may find themselves drifting apart due to their differences, career directions, changes in life goals etc. Couples who are able to get through this stage by breaking through any communication and emotional barriers, setting aside any differences to talk through issues and concerns and thereafter making mutual commitments to better compromise and support each other – will find their relationship emerging stronger and even more cemented than before as lifelong partners.

4^th Stage – Deep Attachment Stage

The “Deep Attachment” stage – couples that have successfully navigated the ups and downs of their relationship to get here, have formed a solid partnership and deep emotional trust and attachment to their partners. In their hearts and minds, they have fully embraced the facts that this person before them is “The One” they have chosen to walk life’s journey with. While the initial euphoria and giddiness of young love has passed, couples at deep attachment stage have strong trust and commitment towards each other and the life they have built as a couple and family unit. While recognizing themselves as their own individual, they also recognize the fact that they are a team together and by now, each would have figured out their partner’s strengths and weaknesses and how they function best as a team by letting each other take the lead on areas where he/she is stronger in, while securing the other’s blind spots. With every shared milestone, challenge, celebratory occasion and crisis, all these form the glue to a strong and bonded relationship.

An apt analogy to try and illustrate a stable & loving long-term relationship could look and feel a lot like running a marathon. The journey is a long one, one that is easy to start but not so easy to keep to. On some days, it can feel really arduous and strenuous, requiring all your physical and mental willpower to keep going. But with commitment and good faith placed in your partner, you both get better and stronger together as a team. And with each finishing line cleared, you both share new reasons to celebrate the triumph over life’s challenges and hurdles.

Make Every Day Valentine’s Day with These Activity Ideas!

1^st Stage – Honeymoon/Romantic Euphoria Stage

Go ahead, celebrate your new love by creating meaningful memories that both of you will hold close to heart in the years ahead! There’s plenty-to-do as a new couple in love, these ideas are just barely scratching the surface!

• ♥ Go for your first couple musical or play
• ♥ Enjoy a sunset cable car sky-dining experience all while basking in the glow of your love
• ♥ Visit the Zoo, Bird Park or S.E.A. Aquarium. There’s plenty to enjoy, talk about and appreciate while walking through some of Singapore’s most familiar attractions through “love-tinted” glasses.
• ♥ For movie lovers, V’day might be a great time to plan for an “all-day movie marathon” – discover and share the movie genres that you both love and find out if your special one prefers sweet or salted popcorn!

2^ndStage – Early Attachment Stage

You’ve spent a fair bit of your free time with your better half by this time, so it’s time to kick it up a notch by planning dates and activities that demonstrates your knowledge of your partner’s preference or picking up a new couple hobby that both of you can grow together in.

• ♥ Take a couple culinary class together to see how the fireworks fly in the kitchen. It’s good to know how handy (or not) your potential life partner is in the kitchen 🙂
• ♥ Go art jamming or go for a pottery class, discover your hidden talents together
• ♥ Attend a DIY Scent Creation Workshop together to find out each other's scent preferences!
• ♥ Grab a couple of friends to go for an escape game room experience, it’s a great way of learning each other’s troubleshooting and problem solving approach!
• ♥ Embrace nature and keep hearts healthy by planning outdoor hike excursions or try your hands at rock wall climbing. Some of us might feel shy or self-conscious when trying out such new activities for the first time; attempting such new activities as a couple will probably help to get over the initial inertia and it will be twice as much fun!

3^rd Stage – Crisis Stage

Embark on activities that you both enjoy to remind yourselves of the love you both have for each other. Show your empathy for your partner by scheduling activities that you know your partner enjoys; planning little treats to spoil each other as ways of expressing your affection will go a long way towards cementing your bond and helping to get through relationship hurdles.

• ♥ High Tea, movies, dinner dates or even a surprise supper treat at your partner’s favourite supper joint will show your care and love – basically anything that shows your partner that he/she remains first and foremost in your heart and mind.
• ♥ Day spa session for quality couple time, to bond and romance each other all over again
• ♥ “You and Me only” Staycation. Take time to just relax, be in each other’s presence, and enjoy good conversation all over again.
• ♥ Create a cosy movie corner at home where the both of you can retreat to (together) at the end of a taxing work day to spend time unwinding and (in a relaxing and non-intimidating setting) watching your favourite Netflix series.

4^th Stage – Deep Attachment Stage

At this point in your relationship, comfort, familiarity, trust (and routine) are key words that are in your couple’s dictionary. Routine is great, but once in a while, break out of the monotony by planning dates and activities that jolt the both of you out of your comfort zone! Nurture new interests, discover new hobbies, challenge each other to evolve and embrace different life experiences.

Couples at this stage will naturally make good travel buddies (but since traveling is still restricted at the time we are writing this piece); here are some activities you can enjoy right here in SG with your better half:

• ♥ Take a calligraphy class, speech & drama class for adults, singing lessons – try your hands (and/or voices) at something you’ve never tried before! Go ahead and have fun!
• ♥ Get busy in the kitchen together, explore new recipes – gift yourselves with a new kitchen gadget/appliance to upgrade your culinary adventures!
• ♥ “You and Me only” Staycation. Take time to just relax, be in each other’s presence, and enjoy good conversation all over again.
• ♥ Embark on mini home improvement works – freshening up your living space with a brand new coat of paint, replacing some pieces of furniture, projects like these create opportunities for conversation, you get to go shopping together, debate on furniture, wall colour preference together and at the end of the day, you both get to come home to a refreshed nest where new sparks may fly yet!

Our V’DAY GIFT PICKS

Having found that special someone whom we want to spend the rest of our lives with, let’s not forget the importance of health. Staying healthy will allow us to enjoy the best quality of life and to enjoy a long and healthy life with our better half.

Here are some of our top picks for you and yours this Valentine’s Day!

What better way to express your care and love by keeping each other healthy with LAC Women's Mega Multi and LAC Men's Mega Multi 50 Plus. Scientifically formulated to meet your daily requirements of nutrients for your optimum health!

For a V'Day home facial treat, consider LAC Taut Intensive Recovery Serum with its triple action mega moisture formula for long lasting hydration and firmer skin. Pair it up with a shot of LAC Taut® Collagen Infusion Therapy 13,000mg plus Placenta, derived from premium red snapper fish for youthful and brilliant looking skin!

Ladies, you can also care for your man by giving him a boost of vitality, in the form of the LAC Men’s Mega Maca – a proprietary blend of energy cocktail with a fruity taste that promotes strength, mental health and alertness.

Men, if your lady is looking for something to nourish her hair, skin and nails, try LAC Women's Advanced Hair, Skin & Nails Formula which contains a high potency of Biotin which supports hair growth and strong nails. It also includes collagen, lutein and hyaluronic acid which are beneficial for the skin!

Keep both your hearts strong for life's journey with LAC TRIMAX™ Omega Fish Oil , which contains a high potency of Omega-3 fatty acids that support cardiovascular health by maintaining healthy cholesterol levels & blood circulation. For strong immunity, consider LAC TriAction C500 Timed-Release , which offers daily immune support and protection against free radical damage.