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Learn How To Write A Classic Love Letter

Today’s digital world has given rise to fast, stinted communications. According to the Pew Research Center, texting is the most widely used smartphone app, with 97 percent of Americans using it at least once a day. Across the globe, 8.3 trillion text messages are sent each year. That translates to roughly 16 million messages per minute.

In addition to text messaging, social media posts are generally concise and short on depth. The written form of communication has changed dramatically in the last decade, as letter-writing and other forms of prose have all but faded away.

But come Valentine’s Day, it can be special to dust off that pen and paper to express oneself via the written word in the name of love. Love letters are cherished keepsakes that can be kept for years. Such couples can illustrate a couple’s present-day love for one another and shed insight on their relationship years later. Here are some steps for writing a romantic love letter or note.

• Jot down ideas and inspiration. Make a list of attributes and qualities in a spouse or romantic interest that you would like to highlight. Write down phrases and terms that come to mind. These words can serve as the foundation for the letter.

• Categorize your thoughts into three areas. Jot down things that you like and love about the person, things that the person may do for you or your family that you appreciate, and various memories from throughout the years.

• Write what you know. Do not feel pressured to make this letter more complicated than it has to be. The words will come when you write from the heart. While you can use other letters to spur ideas, do not lose your voice or try to mimic someone else’s work.

• Make the letter personal and specific. Small details are important and makelovelettersmoremeaningful.Suchdetailsillustratetoasignificant other that this letter was specifically written with them in mind.

• Disregard length. The letter does not have to be a certain length. Whether it is a paragraph or several pages, the letter will be a successs if it says what you want to express. It doesn’t have to be long if that’s not your style.

Writing a love letter can be a wonderful way to express romantic sentiments this Valentine’s Day.

VALENTINE’S DAY • TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 14TH HEADQUARTERS

GUILT-FREE WAY TO TAME CHOCOLATE CRAVINGS

Guilt-Free

Banana Chocolate Smoothie

Makes 4 1-cup servings

11/2 cups chocolate soy milk

3 ounces chopped dark chocolate

3 tablespoons cocoa powder, preferably Dutch-processed

2 tablespoons bee pollen

2 tablespoons flaxseed oil

2 cups sliced banana

1 cup chocolate frozen yogurt

2 tablespoons shaved chocolate for garnish (optional)

Combine soy milk, chopped chocolate, cocoa powder, bee pollen, flaxseed oil, and banana in a blender or smoothie maker. Blend on high speed for 45 seconds or until mixture is puréed and smooth. Add frozen yogurt, and blend on high speed again until mixture is smooth. Serve immediately, garnished with chocolate shavings, if desired.

COUNTDOWN TO VALENTINE’S DAY

February 10: Teddy Day

This day can be interpreted in different ways. Couples adding spice to their relationships can celebrate Teddy Day with the lingerie of the same name. Those looking for a more G-rated experience can gift each other with an adorable stuffed bear. Make-your-own stuffed animal retailers at nearby malls are a place to turn for customizable teddy bears.

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Karam

DID YOU KNOW?

Statistics from U.S. Youth Soccer indicate that millions of children across the country are taking to the sport that was once primarily associated with Europe and other parts of the world beyond the United States. According to U.S. Youth Soccer, more than three million youth players were registered to play soccer in 2014. That marks an amazing increase from just 40 years earlier, when barely more than 100,000 youths registered to play soccer. While the reasons behind the growing popularity of soccer within the United States are not officially known, one might reasonably trace American youths’ embrace of the sport to the U.S. Men’s National Team’s appearance in the 1990 World Cup. Though the team was defeated in each of its three matches in the 1990 World Cup, the appearance marked the United States’ first since 1950. In fact, participation in youth soccer in the United States in 2014 marked an 89 percent increase since 1990. In addition, the United States hosted the 1994 World Cup, likely generating even more interest in soccer, which many American youths now consider their favorite sport.

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PAW’S CORNER

By Sam Mazzotta

Crying in the Car Is Never a Good ing

DEAR PAW’S CORNER: My Border Collie, Sugar, gets very anxious during car rides. She is not one of those dogs who likes to stick their head out of the window! Instead, she whimpers, cries, drools and paces around on the back seat. I’m very worried that she’ll try to jump into my lap. How can I stop her crying? -- Wendy G., Atlanta

DEAR WENDY: Poor Sugar! Anxiety in pets is o en tied to a distressing experience in their past. And her uncontrolled movement around the car is a safety issue.

Talk to Sugar’s veterinarian about her behavior. ey can provide advice and help determine if and when anti-anxiety medication should be given.

Adding a pet restraint system (like a doggie seat or seat belt) or kennel cage will keep Sugar from sliding around in the car and may help her feel more secure.

Pet Obesity Is A Growing Problem

Many pet owners would never intentionallyharmtheircompanion animals. In fact, pet owners often go above and beyond to ensure their animals are well cared for and content. However, many well-meaning people may be inadvertently harming their pets with something they provide each and every day: food. Obesity is on the rise among pets. The Association for Pet Obesity Prevention says that 54 percent of dogs and 59 percent of cats in the United States were categorized as overweight or obese in 2016. That marks an increase from 52.5 percent and 58.3 percent, respectively, from four years ago. The majority of veterinarians think that pet obesity is a significant problem and nearly half of pet owners admit that their vets have discussed a pet’s ideal weight with them during pet health visits.

Next, help reduce Sugar’s anxiety by helping her associate car rides with good things. is will take a little extra time and e ort each day, but it’s worth it.

-- With the car parked in the driveway, sit in the back seat with Sugar (in her seat or cage) for about ve minutes. Give her a small treat and lots of praise when she does. Do this daily, without driving anywhere.

-- When Sugar regularly stays calm, shi to the driver’s seat a er sitting with her in the back seat.

-- Step up to the next level: Turn on the car, giving Sugar a treat when you do so. Put soothing music on the radio.

A trainer can be a good investment, as well. ey’ll work with Sugar (and o en the vet) to make her car rides bearable, and maybe even enjoyable.

How does your pet stand car rides? Tell us about it at ask@pawscorner. com.

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