Wednesday, January 20, 2010

How Do I Love Thee?

It's that time of year - Valentine's Day is approaching. We are starting to see the ads for flowers, chocolates, jewelry and restaurants. Sappy commercials to tug at your heartstrings, or sexy commercials to tug at something else. ;)

Those with significant others use it as an occasion to show each other how much they mean to each other. As for those who are single, it only serves to drive home the fact that they are indeed single.

I am happily married (20 years this coming summer) and we don't celebrate Valentine's Day, never have - by my own choice. Flowers just die, spend the money on something more lasting. Candy is dandy, but I don't need the extra calories. The restaurants will be crowded, we can go out another day. Jewelry is always nice of course, but will be overpriced for the holiday - save that for another day (or a 20th anniversary, hint hint!). (My practical side even comes through in romance!)

Why do I need a date on the calendar to remind me to show my husband I love him? I tell him everyday. Everything I do shows him how much I love him.

And in exchange? He does the same for me. No grand gestures or extravagant gifts - it's all the little things he does. Even paying the bills or picking up the girls shows his love for me.

As for "grand gestures," just last week I came home from work to find that he made spaghetti with his homemade sauce and garlic bread, the table was set and he did the dishes and cleaned up the kitchen afterward. No occasion or special date on the calendar - just because. Completely took me by surprise. I know he loves me. We celebrate our Valentine's Day every day.

5 comments:

Rocky VanBrimmer said...

And all the men across the land say "AMEN!"

Julie said...

As I was scrolling through my live feed on FB, I was seeing example after example of what you are talking about. Evidently my circle of friends is pretty amazing. Lots of little examples of how our spouses show their love to us every day.

May our love always be so strong!

largesse said...

So sweet.

Liz said...

Such a lovely post, and what a heartfelt testament to Jim and your relationship. I know I've said it before, but it really does seem like the two of you have something very unique and special.

Speaking for the "single contingent," while it would be nice to have a partner, I'm pretty happy with my life, and don't feel "bad" about being single. Until Valentine's Day. Couldn't agree with you more, and when I meet someone I plan to have the same attitude towards the holiday as you.

Cat Herself said...

Amen sistah! All the little and big things Mike has done for me will long outlast any chocolate or cards or dinners. I have to admit we usually do something very small, limiting ourselves to $10 or less. Sometimes it's been very fun and creative, and that's made it even better.