Un-Valentine’s Day
Happy Valentine’s Day tomorrow! Whether you’re madly scrambling to pick out that perfect card on a picked over rack or you’re on hold for an hour trying to make a dinner reservation for a Valentine’s Day dinner date, you are not alone. The pressure to create the perfect Valentine’s Day is on… often deflating the romance balloon. And while it’s nice to take one day to celebrate your love, what about the other 364 days of the year? What if you celebrated your love in less spectacular Un-Valentine’s Days throughout the year instead?
Julie: My birthday is right before Valentine’s Day. Because of this, the two were often jumbled together when I was younger. Early in our marriage, I actually objected to birthday roses as the prices were so inflated because of Valentine’s Day. Instead, I’m occasionally treated to a beautiful and much-less-expensive bouquet of yellow (my favorite color) roses on a random day of the year. Happy Un-Valentine’s Day to me!
John: While it’s great to get a heartfelt Valentine’s Day card from Julie, I really enjoy the unexpected cards she occasionally puts in the bag I take to work. They never fail to brighten the middle of my workday. And if she suggests a little romance, I’ve certainly got something to look forward to all day! Her sticky notes and chocolates in my lunch are also a sweet reminder that she loves me. These are Un-Valentine’s Day treats that I enjoy all year round. I also leave a love note for Julie posted in the kitchen before I head off on my commute. This is an “every day” thing that always brings a smile and a mid-day text from Julie!
Julie: When I suggest a bike ride (one of John’s favorite activities) into town to patronize our favorite ice cream shop, this spontaneity and fun adds to our romance factor. Making John’s favorite dish or planning a fall walk at our favorite local state park are great ways to romance John throughout the year. These days become elevated as we celebrate Un-Valentine’s Day.
John: When Julie romances me day in and day out, I am continually reminded of her love for me. I see myself as desirable, and I reciprocate by letting her know how much I appreciate and desire her as well. I try to let her know a quality that I appreciate about her that day, or I’ll send her a text to let her know I love her and am thinking of her even when we’re not together.
Julie: When John romances me, it takes me back to our dating days when life was more carefree, and we would spend hours talking about our hopes and dreams. Those same romantic feelings are recaptured. I am reminded of why I fell in love with John years ago and why I love him even more with each passing day.
So Happy Valentine’s Day to all of you. And may all of your Un-Valentine’s Days be just as happy!
If you would like more suggestions on how to celebrate Un-Valentine’s Day, check out, “50 Ways to Love Your Lover.”
