My Husband and I don’t celebrate Valentine’s Day. No, we aren’t on the verge of divorce. We have a strong, happy marriage, but he and I barely acknowledge the day.
Hubba and I will be celebrating our 6th wedding anniversary on the 21st, but that isn’t why we don’t celebrate Valentine’s Day. We first started dating 30 years ago – I say “first” because we did go our separate ways and stumble through failed marriages before reuniting, but that is another story for another post. Since our 2nd First Date, we decided that we would do things ‘our way’ – we both hate being told what to do, anyway – and it has been working for us.
One day to say I love you/I need you/You’re special? In our personal relationship, we feel that every day should be Valentine’s Day. We don’t need a ‘holiday’ to make one another feel special, appreciated or loved. Hubba and I do our best to make each other feel that way each day. In our home, we express affection in a million little ways that speak volumes.
In this technological age, there are commercials and advertisements everywhere that make it seem as though you don’t love your partner unless you are bestowing exorbitant gifts upon them. Personally, I don’t want to receive gift that is expected to be given. I would much rather receive a small token, out-of-the-blue, which means hubba is thinking of me on a random day and not because he has been pressured by society.
Then there are the over-crowded restaurants, where the staff is usually over-worked, and the entire experience feels rushed. Dinner for two packed like sardines between other couples is not my idea of a wildly romantic night. I find it much more enjoyable to go out for an evening when we can enjoy a quiet dinner without feeling hurried to vacate the table.
I know many people absolutely love this day and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that. I didn’t write this to say not to celebrate Valentine’s Day. Just don’t wait for one day to share how you feel with those you care about. Always, always let your loved ones know how special they are to you, because you never know if you’ll run out of time to tell them.
OMG my husband and I are the same! People would always give him a hard time thinking that I was lying to him about how the day really didn’t matter that much to me. Well, we’ve been married for over 6 years and have been together for at least 10, so he gets me. I have never seen the importance of this day – it’s not our anniversary which is waaayyyy more special to us than Valentine’s day. It’s nice to know we’re NOT the only couple that sees it this way! Thanks for sharing!