Seeing those bright red cards and shiny hearts when I just finished celebrating New Year’s causes me stress, which can lead to anxiety and then fear…yes, fear! After all, Christmas and New Year’s have barely ended, and I’m already pressured into thinking about creating yet another perfect day, which I may not do right (causing stress), which may cause hurt feelings (causing anxiety), and which could possibly lead to a fight about our relationship (causing fear that our day will be ruined by dredging up old, unresolved issues)!

Our society has sold us a lot of expectations around Valentine’s Day. You’re supposed to be and feel loving. You’re supposed to get the ideal card and gift for your Valentine. You’re supposed to have a special dinner and a "perfect" day…or else. Moreover, certain common stressors like, "Will my spouse be hurt if I don’t buy an extravagant gift or plan a special Valentine’s event?" or "Will my wife be really happy with just a card?" or "My husband and I are not doing very well, so should we still celebrate?” make us dread Valentine’s Day, rather than look forward to it.

So, how do you not stress on Valentine’s Day, but instead use it as the beautiful holiday that it truly is, to bring out the love and affection for your Valentine? How do you use it as a day to remember what’s good in your marriage, in and of itself, and not because it’s Valentine’s Day?

In preparation, set aside some special alone time with your partner, before the holiday, to consider the following ways to simply enjoy Valentine’s Day without unnecessary stress:

1. Discuss how you want the day to unfold rather than how it’s "supposed" to be or how it "should" be. This will clarify each partner’s wishes and help you let go of the huge expectations surrounding the day, the gift, the dinner, the card or the perfect sentiment.

2. Once your Valentine’s Day parameters are established, express your feelings to your Valentine in your own unique way, not what Hallmark dictates. Do one special thing, rather than three or four.

3. Forget the dinner reservations at a crowded, pricey restaurant where you can’t even hear each other talk! Instead, either cook an intimate dinner together or order in for a romantic meal at home.

4. Use this day as an opportunity to remember what’s good in your marriage by telling your partner two things you appreciate about them. This will acknowledge how special you both are to each other.

5. Even after you’ve done all of the above, if you still feel stressed, breathe and try to put it into perspective. When you feel anxiety, you’re usually over thinking something and making it bigger than it is. Remember, it’s only one day in the life of your marriage, not your entire relationship.

Anytime too much pressure is placed on an event, it sets the stage for disappointment when the outcome isn’t as you envisioned. Leave the stress behind this Valentine’s Day by talking about the day in advance and using it as an opportunity to express your love and appreciation to your partner in your own special way.

Sharon M. Rivkin, Marriage and Family Therapist, and author of "The First Argument: Cutting to the Root of Intimate Conflict," (www.thefirstargument.com) has worked with couples for 25-plus years. Her unique insight into the first argument was featured in "O: The Oprah Magazine" and "Reader’s Digest," and has attracted people throughout the U.S. and abroad for consultation, workshops, and courses. For more information on Sharon Rivkin visit www.sharonrivkin.com.