Happy St. Valentine's Day

Well, happy Valentine's Day all! Yes, once again it's our favorite commercial holiday, February 14th. The day we're supposed to run out and buy flowers and a teddy bear (or maybe just a teddy) at the last minute and try to squeeze our way into a packed restaurant that we didn't have the foresight to get a reservation for. As it turns out, Valentine's Day often ends up being an event that shows how thoughtless we are, rather than how thoughtful we are.

So, did you remember to get your sweetie something? If not, just keep these few points in mind. Unless your partner really likes roses and boxes of random chocolates, these gifts are passé. That said, it's not like you have to break the bank to show you care. Instead of roses, give a bouquet of flowers you know your honey will like. This not only shows that you know something about her (or him), but it's usually also the cheaper option. My wife really likes cherry cordials. So, instead of the heart-shaped box that, like the Nirvana song, doesn't always have the best stuff in it, I would spring for the box of cordials...of course, that does leave less chocolate for me, but oh well.

But listen; let's be real for a moment. Strip away all the commercial craziness of a day that seems to have become about romantic obligation, and what are you left with? The reason why people get so crazy on Feb 14 is because each of us in a relationship desires to know that the other is thinking of them. We know that it's fulfilling to know that someone loves you enough to set aside your own personal space in her (or his) mind. Knowing this, we want to show our lover that we do think of them, and we secretly (or sometimes not so secretly) hope that they want to do the same.

Valentine's Day, despite all the retail influence, is not about how much or even whether or not you spent money on your honey. It's about showing her (him) that you care enough to show how much your care. It's a day that reminds us to do those things we really should do every day despite the craziness of our daily lives. Maybe you'll think I'm just a silly, sentimental, sappy, romantic fool, but it makes my wife happy, and that makes me happy.