We are a society in which we are told, every year around this particular time, how to express love in the most acceptable and monumental ways possible.  From the grand statements to the small intimacies, both men and women struggle with how to say “I love you!” without actually saying those three words.

Traditionally, Valentine’s Day is when copious amounts of chocolate and stuffed animals are exchanged freely and received lovingly.  And for those struggling for just the right way to express one’s love, the internet abounds with the latest ways to be remembered.  But with love there is always heartache.

We here at The Prairie News believe that, while love is one of the greatest things a human can experience, more care needs to be taken on how to let that not-so-special person down in a time when love is all around.  So, please, take heed of the following list, as we offer some special Editorial Board advice on how be the bigger person and dole out the heartache as painlessly as possible.

• Don’t cheat/don’t lie. Trust is one of the most important corner stones of any relationship.  Yes, it is easier to choose the easy wrong, but it takes a better person to choose the hard right.
• Be understanding. For whatever reason you choose to end a relationship make sure you understand all aspects of it.  Our advice: Just because someone doesn’t love you the way you want them to, doesn’t mean they don’t love you with all they have.
• Friendship first. It is easy to get caught up in a relationship, but it is often time easiest to mend a friendship than it is a romantic relationship.

This is by no means a comprehensive list, but it is a good starting point on how to make break-ups less of an issue.

Happy Valentine’s Day Buff Nation!