I don’t know if my husband and I are the only ones but despite being married nearly 20 years we don’t really go all out and celebrate Valentine’s Day. It’s not that we don’t acknowledge the day because we do. After all, I did buy my husband a card and a box of chocolates that are in the shape of a heart but look like a baseball, one of his favorite sports.
I received from my husband a poem he wrote all on his own and although it was beautiful, we don’t celebrate Valentine’s Day in the sense that we feel obligated or have expectations. In fact a few days ago, for no real reason he brought home a bouquet of roses. I don’t have to receive them on Valentine’s Day to appreciate our love.
Love cannot be limited to one day. However I do understand and appreciate the holiday. It is a great time to take special note of the way you love your spouse. It can be a way to finally get out on a date.
But when we place all of our expectations on that particular day and those expectations aren’t met, it can feel like our love bank has been robbed. That puts undue pressure on our spouse and can create animosity.
Instead, I say celebrate your love everyday of your life. It doesn’t always have to be through roses, dinner or candy. A kind gesture, going out of your way to meet a need your spouse has or just calling them at work during the middle of the day only to say “I love you.”
I enjoyed going through my Facebook statuses Monday night and reading everyone’s comments about what they received for Valentine’s Day or just sharing a special memory with their spouse or how long they have been together. But these things are things that should be celebrated all year long. When we limit this to one day we miss out on wonderful opportunities to show our love and appreciation for each other on a daily basis.
Related Articles:
The Makings of a Good Marriage
Celebrating National Marriage Week