“We’re so sorry we’d love to make it, but we have a prior commitment.”

“I think next Tuesday works, let me check with my other half!”

“Wishing you and yours a great holiday!”

We always like to accept invitations. Its fun seeing many of our friends to celebrate. There’s so much going on all the time with infinite options for entertainment! And a new ballgame on the Island of We.

I’ve never been told “no” by my companion. Can you believe it? At times I’ve had to say no, but never have gotten attitude, (maybe a little bit of a cold shoulder), but generally receive only agreeable adoring eyes, patience, understanding, and unconditional love. Living together these past six years, well.. it’s been pretty perfect, and we love to be together. I’ll check out a restaurant, to see if suitable for the both of us. Check out the menu and the seating arrangements, whether or not we would have privacy, or in a pathway to be flooded by compliments (as often we are.) It takes a little planning, but in honor of Valentines Day this month, I toast to the best companion, live in confidant, supporter, and partner – my lovely white wirey haired cuddle bear: My bestie. My Westie. My “Dogter” Luna.

Whenever people think “Ugh, it’s a DOG”, it’s NOT the same as a person. Of course it’s not the same as a person, but companionship, and love can be many different things to different people. And while RSVP’s are indicative of a “plus one” to mean, a “human” well, maybe just maybe it could mean whatever that additional heartbeat may be… a dog, a turtle, a cat, a baby, a boyfriend, a husband, a chicken, a wife, cousin, or whatever you may want it to mean. Wouldn’t that be cool?

Now, I’m not saying that walking down an aisle is easy with a four legged companion, (although I have seen terrific ring bearers do the job), but in a society where there’s the tradition of love, marriage, and kids – well, as a non biological mom as a “Comedy Mama”, with a “Dogter”, never underestimate what can ignite and enable love, in all it’s forms. And in times where solitude can feel like the only light on a dismal highway, guess what? You’re never alone. Because this here, words on this page, make it so that “We” are in this, you are supported, loved, and will always be welcomed on the Island of We.

Here are some fun tips for finding humor with love.

1. Outings. Choose a spot you and your companion may love together. A park, a theater, a restaurant. Seeing what’s around you can be gold for the humor trail.

2. Staying in. Embrace and enjoy a time with your companion, indoors, play a game, play fetch, make a meal, watch your favorite series. Pay attention to the details of that time, did your companion fall asleep during the opening credits of that flick you wanted to really see? How bout that meal you cooked, was there anything in the outcome that may be a recipe for some funnies? (Do you think your partner knew that the roasted chicken was really store bought?) Have some fun in the times at home.

3. Change it up. Do something out of your comfort zone. This can be with your loved one, or solo. Stretch yourself to then share that experience with your companion, what you did, learned, saw, how it felt, would you do it again? Were you better or worse at it then expected? When we stretch our selves into the unknown, there is always room for humor. The unexpected is a field for funnies.

4. Get Ugly. Don’t be afraid to be silly. Drop the outside concern of how something may appear with your loved one. Put on some silly costumes, a few wigs, have some fun with some friends creating characters. Imagination land is always a tickled terrain.

So, make everyday a “Valentine’s Day”. Love is a gift we all get to feel and celebrate with whatever, whomever, however, together on the Island of We.

About the Author: Susanna SPIES is one of Your Monthly Mentors, a seasoned educator and Founder and President of Comedy Playground, LLC, showcasing at The Hollywood Improv located in California. With a performance background, Spies has worked within mediums of television and film, and has performed stand up comedy on stages throughout the nation. Known for her many “faces”, in 2013 she debuted over 30 characters in her one-woman show “The Dryer” and was featured on Nuvo TV’s Stand & Deliver, E-One Entertainment’s Uncontrolled Comedy, and the Youtube sensation “Carol” of “Carol & Claire in The Angela Hoover web series, as well as dozens of national commercials, and Independent Feature Films. Read More… 

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