A local marriage counsellor suggests couples need to keep the spirit of Valentine's Day alive throughout the year. John Neufeld and his wife Anne operate 'Focused on Marriage'. He says people should celebrate Valentine's but should not stop there.

John and Anne Neufeld of 'Focused on Marriage'."A good marriage is built 365 days a year, not just this one day on February 14th. As much as that (Valentine's Day) can be a wonderful, romantic thing to do, it lasts for a day. A good relationship is built year round through things like being kind one to another and respecting each and being generous with one another. That goes on year round, not just one day."

Neufeld says a very common concern brought forward by couples in counselling is that they have lost the ability to communicate with each other.

"So what we'll do is, we will try to help them open up to one another, to engage in the sorts of conversations they once had when they first fell in love, when they first started dating, when they took time to listen to each other and engage each other through eye contact and asking questions, those sorts of things that keep communication fresh and alive."

Neufeld notes the trend toward texting and social media has led to less intimate communications among spouses. He adds that's because people need body contact and eye contact which are the things that make us human. He suggests putting aside distractions like cell phones, computers and TV on Valentine's Day and spending quality time together.

"Just choose to spend that day together, being kind to one another and learning how to be gracious. Go out for coffee or have coffee at home, make a meal for each other, give a back rub. These are deliberate decisions and, for some of us, tragically, that may be hard to do."

He adds another vital relationship builder is for couples to pray together.

Neufeld says to try these things on Valentine's Day and then make an effort to incorporate them into everyday life.