I tend to be one of those people who views Valentine's as "just a day". When I was younger, I was extremely shy at school and this was one of those holidays with a slew of social situations bound to make me feel even more awkward. As I grew older that went away, and I looked forward to my Valentine's dates with a girlish view on romance. When I got even older though (had kids, got married) all of that seemed to change. It suddenly became less important to have one romantic evening and more important to show my husband love on a daily basis.
It can be a challenge to love the same person day in and day out, and when that puppy-eyed "in love" feeling goes away, the quieter constant love is the one that will pull you through the tough stuff. My husband and I try to make sure the other knows we care about them every day, even if we have a fight, even if we're annoying the other, even if we can't agree on what to do with the kids or where to spend the money for the month. For us, every day is about making the other feel appreciated - even if it's a gesture as small as a smile as we pass one another.
So this Valentine's was simple. We went to brunch (with our kids), I got him a basket full of his favorite treats that I'd picked out at the store (stuff like beef jerky and a chocolate bar) and he put a new video card in my computer. At the end of the afternoon, he glanced at me and said "Oh yeah, happy Valentine's day." It was no where near what I would have called romantic in my younger days, but I'm not after Hollywood-movie-love anymore either.
Today was exhausting for us both, and when we go to sleep tonight we'll probably just fall asleep right away. But before we do, we'll say "I love you", remind the other that we couldn't live without them and fall asleep holding hands, just like we do every night, even if we've had a rough day together. And with romance like that, who needs Valentine's Day?
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Because this month does lend itself to being romantic, I will be doing a restaurant gift card giveaway tomorrow, perfect for a couple's night out on the town. Be on the lookout, and Happy Valentine's Day!
A simple V Day is the best V day. Thanks!
ReplyDeletea wonderful valentines day
ReplyDeleteLove your story! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteI couldn't agree more!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing. I think Valentines day is overrated anyways.
ReplyDeleteAmanda S
I feel the same. It's just another day in my book.
ReplyDelete2dogs5catscrew@att.net
Great Valentine's Day story!
ReplyDeleteI think that it's just another day..plus it's so overrated!
ReplyDeletei agree - there's too much pressure to make valentine's day perfect. Instead, we should try to make everyday just a little better with our spouses :)
ReplyDeleteI never really got into Valentine's Day. I do activities with the kids like make cards and baked goods.
ReplyDeleteyou are so right. staying in love is a job. Each person has to work at it daily. at the beginning of the year, my hubby and I promised to make this our #1 goal. and I am happy to say that we have done really good.
ReplyDeleteI agree, My husband has never given me anything for Valentine's Day but I still Love him
ReplyDeleteI agree with you about Valentine's Day! It is a nice day to celebrate in any way that you choose. I always like to stay home with the family,. have a nice meal and just be there for each other!
ReplyDeleteI'm not all that into valentines day too. My hubby says it is nothing but another Hallmark holiday yet still surprises me with gifts. And today we went out and bought vday candy for half off =)
ReplyDeleteI like Valentine's Day, but we do not need to make it a stressful day. I like sitting at home watching a movie and having take-out. We can have fun with our loved one at home! I agree with so many things that you said in this blog post!
ReplyDeleteHi I'm Heather! Please email me when you get a chance, I have a question about your blog! LifesABanquet1(at)gmail.com
ReplyDelete