Did anyone pronounce Valentines as "valentimes" when they were younger? A common mistake. After all, the 5-year-old me was amazed at the evil Darth Bader in Star Wars. Another common mistake, right? Suchadorkiam.
We all know Valentine's Day has become a passionless exchange of Hallmark cards, candy and flowers (and if we're lucky, passion-filled moments with a sweetie). There's a definite backlash against the whole idea of it, as if cynicism has defeated love once and for all. I'm not a big fan of doing something special just because it's Feb. 14. I think in years past I reveled more on the following "holiday" of Presidents Day because electronics stores have huge sales.
But I also find nothing wrong with celebrating loves found, lost and remembered. Sure, me and the Petite Filet have special times all year long. But just like our wedding anniversary (April 24), we take some time to focus on us and our relationship, looking how far we've come and how far we can go to make it better.
I share with you, then, the Top 10 things I can do to be a better husband. There are obviously more I can do to help cover my flaws, but this is a start. I'll be sharing them in a special way with my better half in the near future:
1. Make sure I don't wad up my dirty socks before putting them in the hamper.
2. Actually putting dirty laundry in the hamper, rather than on the floor.
3. Stop blaming the dog or the Cutlet for my gaseous infractions (and taking care to not make such emissions in the no-pooter-zone that is the food-preparation area of our house).
4. Calling her during the day "just because" or sending "I love you" e-mails like I used to do when our love was new.
5. More kissing, less TV.
6. Making better food choices so that we can both stay healthier and happier.
7. Stop being an idiot. OK, try hard to be less of one.
8. Knowing that she is less than perfect, and realizing that makes her perfect for me.
9. Listen more often, and listen better. A lover's most important job is to have open ears.
10. Making sure she knows everything she does as a wife and mother is appreciated and important. Remind myself to never, ever, ever take her for granted.
Valentine's Day doesn't have to be about loving someone else, either. For the quirkyalones out there, take some time to revel in the wonder that is you and you alone. Life is just as meaningful and worthwhile when you are a complete, single person. You don't need anyone else to make you happy. Another person can make a complete person more complete, but it's a symbiosis of passion and love, not of necessity. If you want it, don't give up.
And if that doesn't make you feel better, notice this year that with Valentine's Day on a Saturday, it is preceded by a Friday the 13th. A perfect irony (or not) for the superstitious types out there.
Whatever you do, stay true to you.
Wow! That's a great post. I wish someone would have said that to me when I was alone.
I *still* call it Valentime's Day!
What really bugged me was when my little friends called their new gaming system "a Intendo." *shudder*
in the UK a hamper is a picnic basket.
i'd be anoyed if you put your socks socks or dirty laundry in any hamper of mine.
Yay, T-bone. Hope you and yours enjoy the nice long weekend. I'll be in San Antonio partying it up!
Hey man... thanks for making me feel better about being single! Great post!
Dew
I wish the Boy Wonder would be a little more inclined to offer up areas for improvement, the petite filet is oh so lucky!
Abs x
Alexa says "Balentimes." It's cute.
I appreciate the fact that at least half of your Top 10 are things that fall under the "good housekeeping" category. I can attest that married life is, more than anything, an exercise in figuring out how to spend your entire life with someone else whose household habits are just different enough to make coexistence challenging.
And this odd holiday we've awarded ourselves in the middle of February? Vanity. Meaningless. Good excuse to order in. :)
being a speech pathologist...valentimes is never cute. (okay...maybe a little) :-) your post was very cute though. shouldn't significant others always do these sort of assessments? wouldn't that rock? i've got someone for you to talk to!
Some good thoughts here. I understand that you are working hard at controlling number three! (Problem is I smell suppem...was that you or me??) ;-)
Stay cool dude.
how about basgetti? I knew several kids who said that one.
As for valentine's day, I always make my card, and try to make it personal. Hallmark - tough.
Happy Valentine's day.