I know that sounds like heresy, but I no longer wish to celebrate non-religious holidays just because the candy shops and flower markets and restaurants want to make more money.
I love the idea of Valentine's Day. What woman wouldn't want her husband or boyfriend to give her gifts and tell her how much she's loved? I love the idea of getting dressed up for a special date with someone I love. I love the romance of the day. But, the cost has taken the joy out of it, at least for me.
I'm incensed that a dozen roses are more than double what they cost the rest of the year. Even mixed bouquets of flowers are more expensive. You have to make reservations six weeks ahead for your favorite restaurant, and then you're likely to have shoddy service because the waiters see you as a captive audience, or they are so overwhelmed with the number of diners they have to care for they can't do their job well.
It just doesn't sound like fun to me. I'd rather Dear Husband asked me out on a day when just the two of us could celebrate. I'd rather have flowers when it's unexpected, not when it's a duty. I want to be told I'm loved throughout the year, not just on the day when it's said because it's the custom.
I'm a romantic. I just want the romance to be on my terms. I want loads of romance in my life, not just one day. And I want that romance to be spontaneous.
Yesterday, I saw a quote that I should have written down. Probably one of my readers will be able to help me with this. It had to do with the idea that we will be known by the little things we do, not by great achievements. I'd rather share a little bit of love every day, than go all out for just one day. Forget the chocolates, the jewelry, the flowers, the sumptuous dinner, the dress up clothes, and the cards......and just love me.
Comments (7)
I'm with you on this but most of all I want roses that smell good, right off the bush, that's my idea of a gift.
Posted by janet | February 14, 2007 1:25 PM
Posted on February 14, 2007 13:25
What a GREAT post Buffy!!!! I couldn't agree with you more....in every way. I've always been a HUGE romantic...all my life...maybe even coming dangerously close to being sappy at times...maybe.
I love the thought of spreading the love throughout the year...every day....not just culminating into one BIG day. That's never felt very real to me. The Beatles said it well..."Can't Buy Me Love"....especially at these prices.
Posted by Joy | February 14, 2007 2:23 PM
Posted on February 14, 2007 14:23
Even though we were snowed in, we had a great V-day. Ben and I sat around in the morning writing love poems to our girls, then later wrote poems to each other. He helped me clean a disaster zone in the living room and then we all played games in the evening. How much more romantic is that!! I even told him that all the roses in the world could match that he understood that I needed help with that room and that he ACTUALLY helped with it. THAT'S romantic!
Posted by Nan | February 15, 2007 9:30 AM
Posted on February 15, 2007 09:30
"I'm a romantic. I just want the romance to be on my terms. I want loads of romance in my life, not just one day. And I want that romance to be spontaneous."
Ain't nothing wrong with that at all! :D
Posted by -=e=- | February 15, 2007 1:44 PM
Posted on February 15, 2007 13:44
Amen, Buffy, Amen!!!
Posted by Roberta S | February 15, 2007 2:08 PM
Posted on February 15, 2007 14:08
For us non-romantic types, it is nice to be reminded to do something a little special for the spouse.
4 time/year I get WS a card (BD, Anniversary, Christmas and Valentine's Day) - he does the same for me.
Posted by bogie | February 16, 2007 4:11 AM
Posted on February 16, 2007 04:11
I'm with you, Janet. I like scented roses. My automatic response is to dip my head toward the rose to see if it's fragrant.
That's a great comment, Joy. I hadn't thought of the Beatles, but that's the perfect song for my attitude about Valentine's Day.
Nan, I agree. Help can be very romantic, especially when you know it's not a chore they really want to do. It sounds like the four of you had a nice day.
Hey, Eric....nice to see you. Thanks for stopping by. *S*
Thanks, Roberta. It's nice to know others agree.
Bogie, I never thought of it as a reminder service. I guess we all celebrate in our own ways....whatever floats yer boat.
Posted by buffy | February 16, 2007 1:28 PM
Posted on February 16, 2007 13:28