Greetings!

In case you didn't notice, The Buehler Institute logo contains a heart--the traditional symbol associated with love, passion, and St. Valentine. The designer, Monica Barber, created the logo to resemble a heart emerging from opening doors. It is also modeled after the graphic style of Matisse's later work; perhaps unconsciously we recognized that many of Matisse's paintings contained erotic images of women.

The heart represents potential for intimacy. Its shape evokes womanly curves; its color draws your attention and holds it as a lover's eyes might. If you are struggling with your sexuality, take heart. The heart is kind and gentle, and so you should be with yourself. In this month of February, if you are single and wish to be partnered, become your own best friend and fall in love with yourself. If you are partnered, deepen your love and celebrate all you are hoping to achieve in your bond.

1. Date yourself. Schedule a massage or see a movie you want to see that doesn?t grab anyone else. Skip dinner out?too many lines and potential for feeling envious. Instead, make a breakfast date for one. Have breakfast with yourself at the fanciest hotel in town or some place familiar that serves delicious food you love. 2. Romance yourself. Send yourself chocolates or flowers. Go a little further and send them to yourself at the office. When people ask who they?re from, give a little wink and say, ?It?s a secret.? You can have fun with this all day! 3. Marry yourself. Write down all the reasons you love yourself. Buy a ring?as fancy or as simple as you please?and wear it as a reminder that you love the most important person of all?you!

If you're alone, use your own senses to enjoy all the wonderful things about the day--the color red, the scent of roses, the taste of chocolate, the sound of love songs.

If you?ve been together hardly any time at all, the holiday is a little awkward. What kind of card do you get someone you?ve perhaps been sexual with but aren?t making a commitment to? ?Nice sex, let?s be friends?? See what I mean. And if you?re somewhere in the middle, you may feel like you have to bust it all out with champagne, flowers, candy, jewelry?all the frou frou of romance to ?prove? your love.

How about writing a letter to your love instead of a card? It will be appreciated and perhaps even kept. How about breakfast in bed instead of a night out? What about a foot or neck massage, since Valentine's is midweek? And rent a romantic comedy; this holiday is all about fun!

*** OC Squeeze will also have an article on sexual health featuring Dr. Buehler later this month. Also free at retail locations.

*** The National Vulvodynia Association published ?Sex Therapy in the Treatment of Vulvodynia? by Dr. Buehler and Christine Seeberger.

*** Dr. Buehler has been invited to debate the use of testosterone in the treatment of sexual desire at the International Society for the Study of Women?s Sexual Health in Orlando later this month.