Let's face it, our winters are a lot like being stuck in a really big elevator for a really long time. It's very trying to go through a winter surrounded by people we would rather not be around. In summer we can just walk home or take a break outside. In winter we're stuck with people the whole night through.

So here's my idea. Mellow out. Show interest in people instead of disdain. For example, if someone at your table says "Titanic is my favourite movie of all time. I've seen it 27 times. It's so great," don't go for the obvious and say something like, "I don't see how anyone could sit through that film once, let alone beat their brains into a mass culture-worshipping stupor with it."

No, let's use this day of love to check harsh instincts and go for more constructive interactions, like "Wow, you must really enjoy that film. What is it about the film that makes it so appealing to you?" I know, it sounds like Stuart Smalley but delivered effectively, it can encourage sharing, enlightenment, learning, and acceptance. I have tried this out and found it to yield good results.

By clearing my mind of conclusions that seem astoundingly obvious, I have learned about new ways of approaching things which I was surprised I never thought of. This positive interaction thing is actually quite logical. Of course, everyone loves to get their two cents in and everyone's opinion is worth shouting about. And really, nothing is worse than knowing someone is wrong when you can do something about it, right?

But try thinking about it this way; what harm does it do if someone else is wrong? You stand to gain far more by simply knowing that you’re right in your mind and placing the focus on them and learning about how they see things.

Beyond getting your opinion out there, there's little to learn if all you talk about is yourself. It's not like discussing other people's perceptions threatens your own. It's plain that spending all one's money on Leonardo DiCaprio paraphernaelia is silly. Pointing it out just makes you look like a negative jerk. By learning about how other people feel and think, we learn, gain power and insight, and make the atmosphere more pleasant.

Give people credit. Step outside the overly simplistic scheme of convincing everyone that you're right and try to learn why everyone else thinks they're right. Say things like "Yeah, good point," "Why do you feel that way?" and "You know, I never thought of it that way." You'll still walk away right, but this way you'll be smarter, happier, and people will like you better.

Or try this. As your group walks by a rap music poster, instead of saying "New rap sure is a sociopathic psychological crutch for the those who are intellectually crippled, shallow, bored, and lacking self-respect," say "I sure would like to understand the appeal of this kind of music." You stand to learn more and make friends. Opt for elegant and healthy conversational cuisine, not coarse and common verbal slop.