Even now that I’m married, it’s a day to be glossed over. In a-school I was a glowing newlywed so everyone assumed I’d be receiving cards, flowers, chocolate-covered fruit or something from my handsome new husband. They didn’t believe me when I told them I don’t celebrate Valentine’s Day and that my husband wouldn’t be sending anything. Heck, my husband was surprised when I asked him to plan something for v-day weekend this year. He misunderstood. I didn’t want a Valentine’s date. I want a date this weekend since we’re going to be able to visit with each other for the first time since Christmas. This weekend just worked best since it happens to be a 72 for the military. For both our commands.
You see, my feelings about Valentine’s Day have nothing to do with a lack of romantic side. It has everything to do with my love of LOVE and ROMANCE! I think those things should come from the heart. I think they should be spontaneous. I think when you love someone you should be showing them, telling them, all the time. You shouldn’t need Cupid floating around with an arrow poised at you reminding you to spoil your spouse. That should be happening with your everyday actions.
My husband thought I was joking when I first mentioned my distain for Valentine’s. I broke it down the best way I could. Show me you love me just because you, well, love me! For me that means he leaves sweet notes on my kitchen whiteboard before he leaves from his last visit. He cheers me on when I tell him my batflap is less flap and more muscle after getting back into the gym after surgery. He lets me freak out about my first interview with a company for five minutes before telling me to Sailor up and reminding me I can do anything I put my mind to. He distracts me while I’m trying to be Rachael Ray with kisses and a quick pat on the behind while he sneaks a bite straight from the pan. He swaps sides of the bed with me in the middle of the night when I wake him up because I realize we’re on the wrong side in the hotel room we’ve gotten for the weekend when I go to his base.
So you see I’m not bitter about love. I don’t lack romance in my life. I just have such a great appreciation for the little things, the priceless moments that remind me how loved I am, that I don’t like feeling like I should be forced on one day to put all of those emotions into words, gifts or actions. Much like the Christmas spirit is something we should all carry with us throughout the year, love and romance is something we should be celebrating and trying to incorporate into our lives all year.
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