Dating Chronicles: Happy Valentine's Day

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 February 14th… comes every year… and every year I just roll my eyes, mentally stick my finger down my throat and look at all the love sick saps that are willing to spend triple the normal price on some flowers and candy, just to publicly declare “I love you” or “I like you”. 


This year - I changed my mind.


My ex and I never celebrated Valentine’s Day. We made it a point to have consistent date nights, he’d bring home flowers on a random Thursday just to say he was thinking of me and romance was abundant in our home. (So why is he my ex… hahahaha… another blog, another day) I decided this year that the days of not celebrating this over-commercialized fake holiday were behind me just like my marriage. Today I will celebrate!


I bought my daughter over priced flowers and told her she was my Valentine. The smile on her face and the twinkle in her eyes was more than worth the money spent. I adore that girl of mine. She is beautiful inside and out and I thank God for her every day. 


I also made plans with my BFF to celebrate today. I love her and she has been there for me through this new season of life every step, turn and speed bump along the way. She is who I want to share this day with. She has been there for so many “firsts” the last 2 years, I figured she’s the best one to share my first “Valentine’s Day” with too…. Celebrating that is.


So, why the change of heart? I work in a jewelry store. I am surrounded by people buying gifts for loved ones every single day. My job is literally secured daily because of people celebrating love. But this year something else happened. An older gentleman came in to buy a gift for his sweetheart. He was probably around 80 and he said his wife had been his Valentine for 60 years. Be still my heart. His eyes sparkled when he talked about her and he took his time finding her the perfect gift. He said he celebrated loving her all year but he liked Valentine’s Day because it was about more than just him and her but it was about collectively celebrating love with millions of other people on the same day - and that being a part of something so much bigger than himself made him feel connected to the world in a good way.  Again… be still my heart. I love this old man! 


So, my perspective on this day has changed a bit. I still think the commercialized side of it is a bit silly… but I love the idea of being a part of something bigger than myself. I love the idea of being connected to so many people celebrating love on the same day at the same time. It brings a smile to my face thinking about all of the engagement rings I’ve recently sold and how today people are making decisions to spend the rest of their lives together - and in a very small way - I had a part in that. I love love… hahaha and I love the people in my life and I want them to know it… today and every day. 


I am a true romantic at heart. I love to hike, fish, play in the dirt and ride 4-wheelers but I am an all out girly girl when it comes to romance. I want flowers, candy, slow dances in the kitchen while cooking dinner… I want spontaneous trips to new places, I want to get dressed up and eat fancy, or hike to the top of a mountain and have a picnic. I want to hold hands walking on the beach and make each other laugh til our bellies hurt. I want it all… every single bit of icky sicky, makes others cringe, romance - but here’s the catch - I want it on my terms. It won’t be forced upon me. When I’m ready… I’ll know I’m ready and it’ll be obvious my walls are finally down. I know my worth. God reminds me of it every day… and I’m trusting Him to open the doors and send flashing lights… and maybe kick me in the rear when it’s time. Until then… I have a lot more to blog about!


Un regrettably and non-sarcastically - I hope you have the Happiest of Valentine’s Days! 




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