Also for Valentine's Day

Appetite for romance: (cooking) recipes for lovers

Cooking for each other makes you happy and is a very special way to show your affection. Because, as we all know, the way to a man's heart is through his stomach. We reveal delicious recipes for lovers - and those who want to become lovers - here.

Women in particular have high expectations on Valentine's Day. But: "You should keep in mind that Valentine's Day is "the day of love and not of consumption", says Birgit Maurer, psychologist at "Liebeskummerpraxis Wien". She sees the day as a beautiful ritual that serves the relationship, but holds a lot of potential for conflict. She warns against comparisons with friends and acquaintances in particular: "Comparisons lead to despair". Instead of looking at what your best friend got you for Valentine's Day, you should focus on your own relationship. And that doesn't just apply to Valentine's Day.

"Time is worth more than gifts"
According to Maurer, "time together, affection and tenderness" are important. Above all, it's about daily togetherness. "Because what do I get from a man who has his secretary order me a bouquet of flowers but has no time for me the rest of the year?" says Maurer, summing up the problem. She advocates non-material gifts, such as vouchers for outings: "Time has more value than gifts."

Don't measure relationships on Valentine's Day
Clinical and health psychologist Regine Daniel warns both women and men not to put too much pressure on themselves: "The woman feels unloved or doubts herself if she doesn't receive a gift. The man is afraid of not being able to offer enough or doing something wrong." Daniel also recommends that couples don't just measure their relationship on Valentine's Day. Communication is important - with each other and about each other. Listening is also the key to getting the right gift. Austrians spend an average of 58 euros on this, with the people of Vorarlberg being the most generous. Flowers (49%), sweets (22%) and restaurant visits (16%) are the top spenders, according to the trade association in 2019.

Valentine's Day as the "day of love"
Regardless of anniversaries, fathers' and mothers' days, wedding anniversaries and other happy days, love is celebrated on February 14. And since the way to a man's heart is through his stomach, here are three recipes from "I love You - The cookbook for two who love each other".

 At krone.at/kulinarik you will find sensual recipes
for an unforgettable Valentine's Day!

Recipe for success: be "open and authentic"
By the way: According to a survey conducted by the online dating portal Parship in 2019, almost one in three Austrians has no partner. For these 28 percent of singles, Valentine's Day can often be an uncomfortable reminder of being alone. But that's no reason to despair, says Caroline Erb. She is a psychologist at Parship and advises all those looking for a partner to be "open, authentic and relaxed" and not to take possible rejections personally. Above all, it is important to "actively do something for your happiness - both online and offline". You should approach others: "You can also meet Mr. or Mrs. Right at parties or art openings".

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