Valentine’s Day is often seen as a grand romantic gesture, but according to Elitia and Cullen, love shouldn’t be reserved for just one day.
"Valentine’s Day is a day the world recognizes love, but in our practice at When Love Works Dynamically, we encourage couples to practice love and connection every day," Elitia shared.
So, what should couples be doing on Valentine’s Day? They introduced their “Relationship State of the Union” concept—a structured check-in where partners assess their relationship’s health, focusing on:
Communication – How well do you express your needs and listen to each other?
Conflict Resolution – Are there any unresolved issues that need addressing?
Companionship – How are you nurturing your bond and emotional connection?
"Valentine’s Day is a perfect time to do this in a romantic setting," Cullen added. "Maybe go out, let people cater to you, and take the opportunity to reflect on how to strengthen your partnership."
Dating vs. Relationships: The Clear Distinction
For singles, dating can be confusing—especially with mixed signals and blurred definitions. Elitia and Cullen emphasized the importance of clarity in dating and not rushing into relationships too quickly.
"Dating is not a relationship. We call it ‘actively dating’ because it’s a period of exploration," Elitia explained.
They recommend a 4-6 week dating period before deciding if you want to transition into a courtship, where exclusivity begins.
Elitia put it this way: "Think of dating like shopping. You can pick up a shirt, try it on, and walk out without buying it. Nobody chases you down saying, ‘Hey, you belong here!’ Similarly, dating isn’t a commitment yet. It’s an opportunity to vet potential partners before making a serious decision."
This means it’s okay to date multiple people until you both agree to enter an exclusive relationship.
"A relationship only begins when both people mutually agree and define what it means to them," Cullen added. "No assumptions, no guessing."
Situationships vs. Relationships: Know the Difference
The conversation took an interesting turn when discussing situationships—those undefined, gray-area relationships.
"A situationship is a relationship, just not a healthy one," Elitia clarified. "It’s what happens when expectations haven’t been discussed, leading to confusion and frustration."
To avoid this, they stressed the importance of clear communication and ensuring that both partners are aligned in what they want.
Green Flags in Dating: What to Look For
So, what are the positive signs to look for in a potential partner? According to Elitia and Cullen, a healthy relationship is a mutual exchange of time, energy, resources, service, support, and health.
Key green flags include:
✅ Strong Communication – Do they express themselves clearly and listen well?
✅ Healthy Conflict Resolution – How do they handle disagreements?
✅ Consistency – Are their actions aligning with their words?
✅ Emotional Maturity – Do they take accountability and show emotional intelligence?
Elitia also shared that When Love Works Dynamically encourages singles to create a relationship profile—a personal guide to identifying what they truly want and need before entering a relationship.
"Many people say the dating pool is ‘pissy,’ but they don’t even know what they want. If you don’t have clarity, you might end up choosing someone who doesn’t align with you," she said.
Should You Get Back With an Ex?
One of the most frequently asked questions: When is it okay to reconcile with an ex?
Cullen and Elitia had a simple but powerful answer: It depends.
If the breakup was due to a lack of tools and both people are willing to do the work to rebuild, there’s a chance for reconciliation.
If the breakup involved abuse, dishonesty, or repeated betrayal, then returning is not advised.
"A relationship requires both skill and will—you need the right tools and the desire to make it work," Elitia explained.
Final Thoughts: Love Is an Ongoing Process
Whether single, dating, or in a committed relationship, clarity and communication are the foundations of a healthy connection.
"Dating should be fun, but it also requires intentionality. If you want a fulfilling relationship, you have to put in the effort," Cullen emphasized.
For those looking to navigate dating or improve their relationships, When Love Works Dynamically offers sessions tailored for both singles and couples.
"You can’t just sit at home waiting for love like a FedEx delivery," Elitia joked. "You have to actively engage and be intentional about your dating life."
So, whether you're single and searching or already in a committed relationship, take time to reflect, communicate, and grow together—not just on Valentine’s Day, but every day.
For more relationship insights, visit When Love Works Dynamically.
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