News — Jessica Kamrath, who teaches a course on the  at Cal State Fullerton, says there are ways to create happiness on Valentine's Day that don’t require being in a romantic relationship.

“If we can reframe our focus on all of the loving relationships we do have — our friends, our parents, our siblings, our co-workers, our dogs (yes those fur babies count) and more — then we realize that love is much more complex and encompassing of all our human connections,” said Kamrath, assistant professor of .

Kamrath shared tips and tricks on how to make Valentine's Day about more than being involved in romantic relationships.

Kamrath said: “Think of someone you admire, someone you want to be in a ‘collaborative work of art’ with or someone with whom you already are, and nurture that relationship by showing affection or a small act of kindness.

“Research also suggests that acts of kindness and showing affection are connected to happiness — not only for the other person but also for the person doing the act of kindness or showing affection.

“We intentionally create happiness through our communication behaviors, acts and intentions — we don’t ‘get’ happiness from someone else.

“We can intentionally cultivate human connection and we can nurture those connections in a number of ways that are connected to happiness, such as acts of kindness, compassion, showing affection and more.”

About Cal State Fullerton: The largest university in the CSU and the only campus in Orange County, Cal State Fullerton offers 110 degree programs and Division 1 athletics. Recognized as a national model for supporting student success, CSUF excels with innovative, high-impact educational practices, including faculty-student collaborative research, study abroad and competitive internships. Our vibrant and diverse campus is a primary driver of workforce and economic development in the region. CSUF is a top public university known for its success in supporting first-generation and underrepresented students, and preparing all students to become leaders in the global marketplace. Our , a five-year $250 million comprehensive fundraising initiative, prioritizes investments in academic innovation, student empowerment, campus transformation and community enrichment. Visit .

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