In this Valentine’s Day special episode, Ellen Dorian dives into the history, meaning, and modern-day pressures of the holiday. Whether listeners are diehard romantics or Valentine’s Day cynics, Ellen provides practical advice and creative ideas to help them plan a day that fits their relationship. From understanding their partner’s expectations to avoiding last-minute stress, this episode is packed with insights to make Valentine's Day a meaningful and stress-free experience.

Part 1: Understanding Valentine's Day

1. A look at the origins of the holiday, including its rebellious roots in ancient Rome.
2. Why Valentine’s Day can feel commercialized and how shifting perspectives can help.
3. The significance of aligning with or acknowledging a partner's attachment to the day.

Part 2: Meeting Relationship Expectations

1. The importance of understanding a partner’s expectations for Valentine's Day.
2. The consequences of ignoring the holiday if it's important to one partner.
3. Two options: setting clear boundaries or using the holiday to strengthen the relationship.

Part 3: Planning a Personalized Valentine’s Day

Strategies for different types of relationships:

1. Partners who are indifferent to the holiday.
2. Partners who want something special but aren’t tied to traditions.
3. Traditionalists who expect classic Valentine’s Day elements (roses, chocolates, fancy dinner).

1. Understanding how a partner feels about romantic gestures can prevent miscommunication and disappointment.
2. Thoughtful, personalized efforts go a long way in building a stronger, more affectionate relationship.
3. Planning ahead ensures less stress, fewer mistakes, and a better overall experience.

Listeners can download the Ultimate Valentine’s Day Planning Kit to get a head start on their planning. The kit includes a timeline, curated gift ideas, and a planner to keep everything organized.

Download it now

Ellen encourages listeners to take one small step to elevate their next Valentine’s Day, whether this year’s celebration is a hit or a lesson learned. Showing a partner that they are understood and appreciated strengthens intimacy, affection, and resilience in the relationship.

Ellen invites listeners to share their thoughts, either in the P3 Insider's Community or directly with her via email. Or, for one on one brainstorming on a specific situation, listeners can set up a time on Ellen's Calendar for a free Relationship Reset Call.

All links can be found below.

In this special holiday episode, Ellen Dorian reflects on the Spirit of Generosity, a concept she learned from her father and continues to embody in her coaching. Through heartfelt storytelling, she introduces the five aspects of generosity—emotional, relational, philosophical, action-oriented, and legacy-focused—and shares actionable ways to bring these into your relationships. This episode is a guide to creating deeper connections, fostering trust, and leaving a meaningful legacy for your loved ones.

Part 1: A Holiday Story About Generosity

1. Ellen shares a moving story about her father’s approach to Christmas and the lessons he imparted through the concept of Santa Claus as the embodiment of generosity.
2. She recounts her dad’s final gift to her, The Gift of the Magi by O. Henry, and how it symbolizes selflessness, love, and sacrifice in relationships.

Part 2: The Five Aspects of Generosity

1. Emotional Generosity: Giving time, attention, and love freely without expecting anything in return. Includes practical tips like using a “root cause analysis” approach to stay present during emotional conversations.
2. Relational Generosity: Paying attention to your partner’s needs and stepping in to share the mental load. Features the “By The Clock” exercise to anticipate and address tasks proactively.
3. Philosophical Generosity: Cultivating a mindset of abundance by focusing on gratitude and appreciation rather than scarcity or criticism.
4. Action-Oriented Generosity: Doing what you say you’ll do, being reliable, and supporting your partner when it matters most, even when it’s inconvenient.
5. Legacy of Generosity: Building a lasting impact through selflessness in relationships, modeled after her father’s example.

Part 3: Holiday Reflections

1. Ellen encourages listeners to embrace the Spirit of Generosity during the holiday season and to pass it forward in their own lives.
2. She reminds listeners that the greatest gift they can give their children is the example of a passionate and connected partnership.

1. Generosity is More Than Money. True generosity lies in how you give your time, attention, and care to those you love. It’s about showing up fully and selflessly in ways that matter most.
2. Emotional and Relational Generosity Build Connection.Trust and connection grow when you’re emotionally present and proactive in supporting your partner’s needs—whether by sharing the mental load or simply listening with focus and care.
3. Your Legacy Begins in Your Relationships.The most impactful legacy you leave isn’t material; it’s the example you set in your relationships. Cultivating a passionate and connected partnership shapes how your children and loved ones approach their own connections.

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In this heartfelt bonus episode of the Make More Love Podcast, Ellen Dorian addresses the complex emotions that can arise during the Christmas season, especially for those who feel isolated, disconnected, or out-of-step with the festivities. Drawing from personal experiences and real client stories, Ellen offers compassionate strategies for coping with holiday loneliness, respecting individual traditions, and rebuilding meaningful connections—both with ourselves and those we love.

Part 1: Navigating the Overwhelm and Outside Expectations

Ellen opens the episode by acknowledging the saturation and pressures of the Christmas season, emphasizing that not everyone celebrates—and for many, the unrelenting holiday messaging can feel isolating or invalidating. She shares her own childhood memories of cross-cultural celebrations and discusses how differing traditions, loss, and changes in family dynamics can leave people feeling invisible or alone.

Part 2: Reclaiming the Holidays Through Intention and Small Rituals

After describing her personal struggles with grief and holiday disconnect, Ellen outlines how she slowly rebuilt her relationship with the season by honoring her feelings, embracing gratitude and generosity, and establishing new, personally meaningful holiday rituals—like joining a caroling group, creating her own movie traditions, or starting small annual rituals just for herself.

Part 3: Connection, Grace, and Taking Action—For Yourself and Others

Ellen addresses the unique isolation that successful business owners and those in disconnected relationships may experience. She offers a powerful exercise: identifying and fulfilling a childhood wish for yourself (and possibly your partner) to foster reconnection and healing. The episode closes with an appeal for listeners to reach out to those who might be alone, and a reminder that support is available—both through community (like Andy Grant’s virtual hangout) and professional crisis lines.

1. Holiday loneliness is real, whether you celebrate or not, and your feelings are valid.
2. Small, intentional changes—like creating a new tradition or reaching out to someone else—can slowly restore a sense of joy and belonging.
3. Giving yourself (and your partner) a “lost” gift from childhood can be a surprisingly meaningful way to reconnect with the spirit of the season.
4. You are not alone—resources, supportive communities, and professional help are available if the season feels overwhelming.

Share your own strategies for making the holidays more meaningful with Ellen Dorian by email or in the P3 Insider’s Community. If you’re struggling, consider booking a free Relationship Reset Call for personalized support, or take the Relationship Dynamics Scorecard at MakeMoreLove.show/quiz for immediate insights.

Your presence truly is your gift. No matter your circumstances this season, remember that you matter and that reaching out (for support or to offer it) can make a world of difference. Ellen Dorian encourages everyone to take small steps toward building connection, meaning, and, ultimately, more love.

Ellen invites listeners to share their thoughts, either in the P3 Insider's Community or directly with her via email. Or, for one-on-one brainstorming on a specific situation, listeners can set up a time on Ellen's Calendar for a free Relationship Reset Call.

For immediate insights, take the Relationship Dynamics Scorecard: A fast free quiz to pinpoint...