Valentine’s Day is just a few days away, and I joined the throngs of people scoping out cards at our local Hallmark store this morning. On any other week of the year, I’d be one of maybe two people meandering the aisles of the little store, but today I had to jockey for a spot first in the parking lot and then for a spot on the mostly red card wall.
Do you think Valentine’s Day is over-rated? Is it a thing of beauty that’s been commercialized into pointlessness? Is it really worth spending our hard-earned dollars on flowers and a card for the actual day?
I’m in the camp that says it’s worth it!
25 years ago, my husband was in the other camp. Before we were married, he made a special effort to let me know of his love on Valentine’s Day. However, he made a grave mistake when after we were married, he thought that every day was Valentine’s Day and February 14 no longer needed a special acknowledgement.
All week long that year, my friends, who were either dating, engaged to be married, or newly wed, were comparing notes on what their sweetheart’s plans were for February 14, 1995. I had nothing to contribute to the chatter because my wonderful new husband had not mentioned a thing.
When I found out that he had not actually planned anything—not even a card—I was so hurt! It shouldn’t matter really. I knew that he loved me, but I honestly believed that he should’ve done something! I felt the need to remind him that when I was growing up my Daddy left me a card and a little heart-shaped box of chocolates on the breakfast table for me to find every February 14. (Silence, shifting eyes, and a sigh, I think, was his response. Poor man.)
It wasn’t until 13 years into our marriage that hubby could’ve afforded roses for me on Valentine’s Day, especially since they get marked up 300% or more. His “little secret” during those years (after the disastrous first) was that Kroger sold a Valentine’s bouquet that contained a few roses along with miscellaneous flowers that was affordable to the average Joe and pleased me just fine. I never said that he had to be extravagant; I just wanted an acknowledgment that I was his special sweetheart on Valentine’s Day.
He still gets me an inexpensive bouquet of fresh flowers, but not from Kroger. He’s upgraded to Fresh Market. This year, he even insisted on buying a gift in addition to the flowers and card. I’m not sure why.
If you’re in the other camp, I beg you to swiftly pack up your assumptions and hightail it to this camp. It’s important to tell the one(s) you love just how much you cherish them every day of the year, but especially on Valentine’s Day. Don’t miss out on such a wonderful opportunity!
Very sweet.