Happy Valentines Day

I have to admit, most of my life I have been very anti-Valentines Day. The years when I was single it seemed like the holiday was created just to mock me. When I was in a new relationship, there always seemed to be so much stress involved - guys practically twitch from the pressure of trying to live up to some perceived Valentines day fantasy every woman harbors. It all seemed like more trouble than it is worth.

The first year I was dating my husband took me to an incredible meal at a local French restaurant. Given I was a starving graduate student, this was an incredibly elaborate date. Prior to leaving the house, our roommate casually asked him if he had gotten me a Valentines Day card to which he replied “no, we’re going out to dinner”. My inner sarcastic self could not be restrained and I went over the top pretending to be horrified that he was so inconsiderate as to forget a card. It wasn’t until months later that I learned he had no idea that I was joking and was very upset that he had “ruined” Valentines Day. Yeah, I felt like a total arse when I found that out – it was certainly not the first time I suffered from an acute case of foot-in-mouth disease. The next few years the holiday made him anxious. It took a few years before I could really convince him that he didn’t have to buy me flowers or candy to make me happy – that I thought it was as much of a Hallmark holiday as he did. I think I finally got my point across the year I suggested we celebrate by going to Five Guys for burgers (great burgers but basically a fast food joint for those of you reading outside the DC area).

Now, husband and I are on the same page. We both agree that it’s a nice to take some time to focus on our love for each other, but we insist that it isn’t stressful. All that really matters is that we spend a bit of time together. Sometimes we stay in and cook a nice meal together. Sometimes we get take out and rent a movie. Tonight he is working, so last night we went out to one of our favorite restaurants in DC.

But there is one thing we always do – exchange cards.