Did YOUR Valentine Experience fall short of your Expectation?
Face it: What we "expect" and what actually "is" most often contradict each other. Why do we expect something fabulous on Valentine's Day anyway? Who is to blame for this? The stores are lined with rows and rows of silly little nothings for those that feel the need to demonstrate their love for someone. Usually, it's women that are at the checkout stand with the stuffed bears that will inevitably end up in a closet somewhere at some later date when stuffed animals seem rather silly for interior decorating.
Yes, I received the most beautiful card ever. (and I mean ever). I knew that he spent a long time to find just the right one that said it all. Oh, and the heart shaped chocolate box - still unopened - is in my office. It was beautiful, too. For him? I made him a collage with pictures inserted all over the place depicting the previous year and how great these kodak moments were, and pasted it on construction paper. I gave him my time. And in this day and age, time is precious.
Then, I made him breakfast. It was hard creating those little heart shaped blueberry pancakes, but it was well worth it. I received a GENUINE smile and a very warm hug. And, nothing else was said or done about it. Dinner consisted of grilled cheese sandwiches.
So, where do we get these 'expectations' from; that Valentine's day is supposed to be the most romantic day of the entire year - where you are supposed to shower your loved one with gifts, spend money on an expensive dinner, and make each other feel (for one day) that they are the most important person in your life?
Hallmark, of course; in colaberation with the flower shops, Russell Stovers, and restaurants.
Personally, I like to demonstrate Valentine's Day EVERY day. It's the actions that speak volumes. More so than a tired "ya, I love you, too". A few of the ways that demonstrate love are: "here's your coffee, prepared like you want it", warm up the car when we go somewhere, and turn on the seat warmer for me, sweep the snow off the steps, leave the last bite Rocky Road ice cream. And here's a good one - giving ME the remote and saying, sure go ahead and watch American Idol - a show he tolerates but knows I'm a fanatic about.
I leave a bit of Christmas out - just a subtle hint - because I believe Christmas should be lived on a daily basis; and Easter - new beginnings, and New Year's - truly a new beginning. I suggest you Leave a bit of Valentine's Day out, too; to remind you that LOVE is all-year round, not just one day.
Conclusion: re-create your own EXPECTATIONS for what serves YOU. Toss out the media idea telling you what should happen, and create your own traditions that are more natural to YOU. Love isn't just roses, chocolate and an expensive dinner. Love just IS.....and when you truly love someone, you find ways to show that appreciation without resorting to cliches that you are told shows love.
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Make it a great day!
Sending you angels,
Jane