Friday 7 February 2014

Great Expectations

Love is in the air. Matters of the heart are about to be exposed as Valentine's Day approaches. Who doesn't want to be pampered, adored and romanced like mad? Who doesn't want to get that unexpected engagement ring, be told 'I love you' or be whisked off to some exotic place for a weekend of passion? I'm sure you wouldn't say no to a romantic spa together, candles included.
 
Whether you believe it or not, I'm sure you're secretly hoping for that card to drop through your letter box from a secret admirer or your loved one. Or the hubbie to return home with the biggest bunch of roses you've seen in a long while. I bet every time someone comes into the office with a package, you automatically think the gift must be for you. I bet you spend all day waiting in anticipation for that special Valentine's surprise. C'mon be honest, I know you are.
 
But how will you react if you get a big fat NOTHING? No recognition, no invite, no proposal. Nothing. And this is where the colostomy bag hits the fan.
 
For many people this is a time of year when numerous hearts are broken. People feel pressurized to make decisions they'll regret a month later. People feel forced into saying things they don't mean, doing things they don't really want to do and buying things they had no intention of buying. Valentine's Day is a nightmare for them.  It's a day of dread and I'll tell you why!

Because there's going to be the women looking for that wedding ring. They left no stone unturned taking care of their man. They ironed his clothes, cooked his meals, the passion was on his terms, and it didn't matter to them. They were willing to pay his house bills whenever he was short of cash, even if they had to put their own bills on hold. These men are without want. These women are the perfect unmarried unrecognised housewives. Well, it's Valentine Day, he's tried the goods for long enough and wants to move on WITHOUT her. Well, what incentive could she give him now? There'll be tears at bedtime for many and a testing time as Miss Perfection turns into Miss Repercussion.
 
And what about the guys who will have pressure building to busting point? They've bought the ring, rehearsed the words, practiced a good drop to one knee, booked the fancy restaurant and informed her family. He's going to have one hell of a shock when she says NO.  And she'll have one hell of a time whilst he plays Mr Stalker until he gets her out of his system.
 
How about the couple whose been married for 30 years. She wants to keep the flame alive. She spent days choosing him a nice gift. She wrapped it nicely and it took her hours trying to write the right words of love to him. He comes home with a weak 'Thank You' and leaves it on the side before getting ready for bed. Her heart will be broken yet again.
 
And I can't forget the ones who are too timid or polite to refuse an invite. They'll go out to dinner hating every moment of it with a smiling face. Well, that's what happens when you can't say NO. Time never flies when you're having a date from hell on a day like this.
 
So you see my friends. There will tears of joy and sorrow on a mingled day of expectations or repercussions.
 
Questions
What do you do for your loved ones on Valentines Day or how do you celebrate it?
How do you keep your love afresh? Especially if you've been married for a while?
Have you ever used Valentine's Day to kick someone out of your life by ending a relationship? 
 
I'd love to hear your comments, views and opinions.

105 comments:

  1. We don't exchange gifts anymore. After 39 years what more could we give? LOL. It's enough to take in a movie or go for a drive.

    One thing we do is make dinner together. I like that.

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    1. 39 years is a great record Maria, congratulations. A romantic dinner for two is always a nice thing to do. Thanks for the comment.

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  2. We went to Red Lobster last year. Then she was put into labor the next day. Those were her presents.

    I don't remember exactly what we're doing this year... To be honest I haven't really planned anything. But I'm sure we'll figure something out together. The only thing I know that isn't happening 100% is her getting a wedding ring. Luckily I don't think she expects one for awhile anyway.

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    1. Thanks for stopping by Joshua, but don't be so sure that she's not planning to give YOU a wedding ring :) Whatever happens I hope you have an enjoyable day.

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  3. You make some great points in this post. I guess the two of us will spring for cards, but relationships are for life not just for Valentines day, they should be worked on every day.

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    1. That's true John because some people only make a concerted effort to show love and attention on Valentine's Day. Thanks for commenting.

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  4. Replies
    1. I'm sorry to hear you're single and unhappy Just Me, but here's still no guarantee that finding the other half will make you any happier.

      So why not make the most of being single, which can be fun, until you find the right person to settle down with. Organise small events, arrange evenings out, go on short holidays with lots of other people in similar positions etc... Just a thought, but I know how difficult it can be at times. Thanks for commenting and I wish you all the best.

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  5. I think love is a day in and day out thing. Valentine's Day should be a day of celebration not expectation. For me, it's a chance to celebrate those I love, nothing more and nothing less.

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    1. I like it Karen. Love is not celebrated enough, especially with all that's going on around the world right now. Hope you have a great day and thanks for commenting.

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  6. I learned a long time ago that my husband is just not great at the big romantic gestures so I keep expectations low and I like it that way. He's a solid partner day in and day out which is what matters (as Karen said in the previous comment). My dad was a "big gesture" guy but not so solid day in and day out... I think I've got the better deal. That said, if I don't get at least a little chocolate I get grumpy :). Our new tradition is to make a really nice dinner and have a decadent dessert with our girls so it's turned into a fun family day.

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    1. Yes, I think you got the better deal too.

      I love the fact that you're including your girls and I know that dinner will be something special because you're an excellent cook. I often go through your blog to get some great ideas for meals and I've never been disappointed.

      My mouth is already watering just thinking about that decadent dessert you'll be eating. Have a great day and thanks for stopping by.

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  7. We've been married 28 years, but he always manages to surprise me with something neat, and I enjoy doing the same for him.

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    1. Congrats on 28 years of marriage Shelly. And it's nice to hear that you both still enjoy those surprises. Very nice and romantic, I say. Have a good one and thanks for commenting.

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  8. I think Valentine's is a lovely time to celebrate love but you are right... it is a tough time of the year for many people without that special someone in their life... I think if you celebrate, celebrate and enjoy :) (I am one that won't be celebrating it this year but I know I will be again one day) :)

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    1. That's a very positive attitude to have Launna. You haven't shut the door to finding love one day and I'm glad because I've read quite a lot about you on your blog and you've come a very long way. Who knows what the future holds.
      Thank you so much for stopping by.

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  9. I love your line about the colostomy bag!!!! Valentine's Day is pretty fun around here, so I feel fortunate when I know there are so many people who spend this day alone. I truly feel blessed.

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    1. Ha ha ha, the colostomy bag hitting a fan was the best way I could think of describing the grief some people are going to get on Valentines Day if it's not to their liking, ha ha ha.

      You are truly blessed MM. Fun husband, great kids, crazy menopausal mama. What else could you ask for? I'd love to know what you all end up doing though.

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  10. Pretty much all commercial holidays are built around expectations, and Valentine's Day ranks right up there with Christmas. And nowadays with social media, it's only gotten worse. High school kids are treating prom as if it's their wedding, with elaborate "will you go to prom with me?" videotaped proposals. Real love is celebrated on a daily basis, without all the hoohaw and fanfare, through kindness and mutual affection. My husband and I have never been into the whole gift-giving thing, although we do surprise each other in other meaningful ways...dinner out on Friday nights, an unexpected afternoon at the spa, me accompanying him to hit golf balls, him watching "chick flicks" with me, etc. I think expectations do more harm to a relationship than good.

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    1. Yes Helena, finding creative ways to do something meaningful is truly romantic and I imagine that the pressure to perform on a given day may be stifling that sense of romantic fun.
      Always good to hear from you :)

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  11. After 30 years of being together we don't make a big deal out of Valentine's, it's just another day. We might exchange a card but to be honest I'd rather make more of our wedding anniversary which is a special day to us. Like a lot of things it has all got very commercial.

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    1. Wow, you've got a whole load of married years under your belt. Well done mate and congratulations too. Any tips on keeping the romance alive? Don't be shy, just help us all out.
      Nice to hear from you Suzanne.

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  12. Well, aren't you the romantic.

    I will spend about 15 minutes trying to find a funny card for him nd hubby will spend less time doing the same for me. Having a good laugh together is the most loving thing I can come up with and it there are no calories and little money involved.

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    1. Ha, ha ha, no cake or cash, that's a good one. Laughter is the best medicine they say. Thanks for the comment mate.

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  13. After 20 years being married I am not very excited about this day but I always expect to get from my husband a little box of chocolate candies. It became a tradition. And he never forgets to give them to me on Valentine's day. We also exchange the cards. You wrote a very excellent post. When I began to read it at the beginning I thought that you know people so well.

    I always low my expectations. In this way I will be less disappointed.

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    1. I always like to congratulate people who have been married for such a long time because it's not usual from where I'm coming from. So well done and thanks for the compliment.

      If people don't expect anything, then something is always a bonus, so I agree. Hope you enjoy the day Kaya.

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  14. Replies
    1. Now, you can't be any plainer than that. Always appreciate you stopping by John.

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  15. I've never celebrated Valentine's Day in my life. I don't believe in such a celebration. Things should be spontaneous and if they don't happen I feel happy all the same. My happiness does not depend on anybody's attitude. I am responsible for my own happiness.
    I also dislike the idea of engagement rings. Love cannot be expressed in material things. I never understood that. When we got married, we exchanged gifts. I made a set of drawings and paintings and my husband gave me a book.

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    1. Was the exchanging of gifts on your wedding day something you both decided to do, or was it part of some traditional/cultural thing? Sounds like a lovely idea but I'm just curious as usual.
      Thanks for reading and commenting Julia.

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  16. Hey Rum

    I agree with everything you've said! Valentines Day has gotten bigger and bigger every year, it's become a bit of a farce with more and more expectations! I was in a card shop today and found a card 'From the cat on Valentines Day' - I'm not joking! lol

    It's not enough anymore to send a card, maybe some chocolates or flowers and spend a nice chilled out day with your loved one, so much more is supposedly expected! Me and my husband do just that though - cards, some chocolate and some chill out time together. I won't see him at all this Valentines Day since he is working a long day, tbh I don't really mind lol. The biggest thing that will always annoy me about Valentines is a personal matter - my birthday is on the 11th, so any flower/chocolates/gifts have an extra zero at the end and are stupidly expensive! :(

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    1. The cat - ha ha ha ha ha, that's hilarious. I wonder what they'll think of next.

      I'm sure when hubbie gets home you'll spoil him rotten though. And I would like to say a big HAPPY BIRTHDAY JADE. I hope you thoroughly enjoyed the day with many wonderful years ahead of you.

      How's the weather at your end. It's been raining cat's and dogs most of the day over here and I just love looking at The River Thames as it changes. My heart goes out to all those who are having a bad time with flooding right now.

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    2. Thanks Rum, yes I had a wonderful day! :D Me and Carl will have a nice chilled-out time together I'm sure :) It's been really windy with some freezing rain over here in Yorkshire, no where near as bad as the poor people losing their homes down south. Stay safe Rum, I hope you don't get flooded too.

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  17. What do you do for your loved ones on Valentines Day or how do you celebrate it?

    How do you keep your love afresh? Especially if you've been married for a while?

    Have you ever used Valentine's Day to kick someone out of your life by ending a relationship?


    None of the above.

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    1. Oh Od, don't give up hope mate. One day. I'm glad to see you're posting on your blog again. Keep it up Od. I just love your style of writing with music.

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  18. We give each other cards.
    Then we go to a special restaurant for a quiet meal.

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    1. That's lovely John. Hope you have a brilliant meal. How many years have you been married? I'm just being nosey again.

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  19. Valentine's Day is nothing but a blatant commercial opportunity in Hong Kong, and my wife and I ignore it completely. I've never seen its relevance to genuine love.

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    1. I know you've been married for a long time Dennis, any tips on how to keep the home fires burning?
      Always good to hear from you.

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  20. My husband and I don't do anything for Valentines. We just reached an age where we didn't need to acknowledge our love on this holiday.

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    1. I guess I'd ask the same question that I asked Dennis. Spill the beans on how to keep the home fires burning and how to keep that love fresh and new.
      Thanks as always for stopping by Donna.

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    2. No beans used at all. lol We've just grown comfortable together and don't feel the need for valentines cards and flowers anymore.

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  21. The cool couples ignore it...and most gorillas have never even heard of it!

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    1. Ha, ha ha ha, a warm welcome Gorilla Bananas. Hope you'll swing by again.

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  22. Replies
    1. Hope you have a nice day Izdiher. Let me know how you celebrated it.

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  23. Well before I tell about myself, I would like you too to share what do you do or expect on this day?? :) And what is the plan for this year?

    I haven't celebrated this day ever and reason behind it being we were never in the same city. And now we are not even in same time zone. So, there nothing special this year too except wishing verbally on whatsapp or call. Moreover I don't expect anything apart from letting that day go without any flaw.

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    1. I don't make a fuss about the actual day but I do like to surprise my other half when they're least expecting it throughout the year and I don't expect anything in return. I enjoy seeing a smile on their face.

      At least with all the technology around you have the ability to contact your loved one via skype, email, phone, etc. Years ago you just had to sit back and wait until they came home. I'm sure he can't wait to be back in your arms Esabella, and you can't wait to see him again.
      Thanks for the comment.

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  24. Every day you're alive is a day to celebrate and love. And that's how I celebrate Valentine's Day.

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    1. Such a true statement NP. On a daily basis we should try to show our love for one another. Today could be our last. Thanks for stopping by mate.

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  25. No Valentine's day here. Haven't celebrated it in a very long time. The notion of it was fun to think about, though I learned the hard way my partner is not a Valentine's day person. And soon enough he won't be a partner either.

    Madison:-)

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    1. Oh, I'm sorry to hear that My Meddling Mind. Not everyone likes Valentines Day, sometimes because of all the huge expectations and/or pressure. I'm hoping that things work out well for you in the future and although you may not celebrate tomorrow, I pray you still have an enjoyable day.
      Thanks for commenting and I'll be round soon.

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  26. I think that the same could be said for many holidays. Those with high expectations are apt to be crushed on birthdays, Christmas, and New Years. The trick is to either make your own fun, or have no expectations whatsoever. I enjoy sending my boys treats from their favorite bakery for Valentine's Day. I also try to find a little something for my mom. My husband's favorite gift is a credit, but I'll probably still get him a gift anyway. I love how empathetic you are, and the women in your life are very lucky to have you.

    Julie

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    1. It's nice that you involve the whole family on this day because usually the day is focused around the couple. And it's sometimes more memorable when you create your own fun rather than doing what everyone else does.

      Lucky to have me? I need to show them your comment, as I sit in the high seat.

      Always good to hear from you Julie.

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  27. Valentine's Day is a marketing gimmick, preying upon unrealistic expectations. Having said that, I have enjoyed many a marvellous meal out, or a little gift because it was marked on the calendar. Couples who are in love and want to stay that way are the ones who, despite the time of year, find ways to honour and spend time with each other. Women fall into the trap of seeing romance acted out on a screen, and don't recognize that their partners are serving them in other ways - keeping the car cleaned out, having help with the dishes, taking a turn changing diapers. My husband honours me in many ways, and I try not to pressure him at this time of year to 'perform romance', when the most romantic experiences have been spontaneous and 'just because'. He often purposely will avoid the 14th, and do something special a week before - or after. I try to make sure that he is welcomed with good food and a smile, because I know how much he appreciates those things, and I have learned how to help him feel loved and supported in ways that I understand he needs. So - cupids beware - I don't need them to enjoy my soul-mate. But an annual reminder to make sure that your loved one feels loved isn't all a bad idea...

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    1. You're said it so perfectly Melody. People can be so busy waiting for the flowers, ring or chocolates that they literally forget what their other half has really been doing throughout the entire year for them.

      I also love the way you stated 'I have learned how to help him feel loved and supported in ways that I understand his needs'. This is so important to me, because it shows that you have taken the time and trouble to do your best to make sure your husband feels and knows that you truly love him. And that's the best feeling in the world.

      Thank you so much for your comments.

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  28. I have been married for almost 26 years and although we used to buy each other a card and a present in the early days we no longer do. I am also sorry to say that we don't do anything to keep our love afresh. We just keep ticking by............

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    1. Maybe this is the year to start afresh and do something very special with your other half that would leave you both with great memories. Why not plan a romantic weekend together in the next few weeks, or a surprise outing etc. Just a thought, to spice things up a little. Thanks for stopping by Simone.

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  29. It's ironic you shared this post because I shared something similar on my blog several years ago about Valentine's Day, and how so many people who are single feel left out on this holiday. However, even though I'm single I can still celebrate the love in my life, from family and friends. To me, love is love, no matter who it comes from.

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    1. At first I wanted to write a nice lovey dovey piece but then I thought, 'hang on a minute, not everyone is going to have a smile on their face by the time that day is over' so I decided to do the opposite. Leave your link to your Valentine post here Ron (if you can still find it). I'm sure everyone would love to have a read of it.
      Thanks for the comment mate.

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  30. I consider Valentine's Day to be a day of varying emotions. Some will experience joy and reinforce the love they share. Some will consider it to be a very cruel day. A reminder of love lost, or a reminder that they've never felt love. I have had the wonder of love, visit and leave me. The last time I received a Valentine's Day card was well over twenty years ago.

    Yet, I just hope that all those who have the magic of love in their lives, savour such a day and everyday.

    Peace,

    Gary

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    1. Thanks for the comment Gary, and I know what you mean about varying emotions. Today will be a trying day for many.

      I hope you have a good weekend, and the weather doesn't get to crazy at your end. Give Penny a hug from me too.

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  31. Everybody has varying opinions of V-Day. Some see it as a chance to be all romantic and smooshy, while others see it as an overcommercialized gimmick holiday. I think it all depends on the person and where they are with their love life when Feb 14th comes up. I still get my gal a card and flowers on this day or a little gift. Hey, I don't want to totally end up in the dog house!

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    1. Ha, ha ha, I'm sure she'll be very pleased with whatever you got her and I'll be over soon to check that you're not in the dog house :)
      Thanks for the comment mate.

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  32. Hi Rum-Punch Drunk. In the spirit (and not the commercialization) of Valentine’s Day, I hope you have a good one! Although the day has become such a marketing gimmick, there is a certain charm in having a day set aside for romance, as long as the two people involved have no expectations. I’ve never had expectations on Valentine’s Day.

    I usually make an especially nice dinner on Valentine’s Day (but I like to cook anyway). Sometimes my husband and I will exchange cards or share a box of chocolates. On occasion, we might go out to dinner. I used to make candlelight dinners, but hubby thought that was just silly (why eat by candles when you have overhead lighting, he says, entirely missing the point!), so I stopped doing that. I have never kicked someone out of my life or ended a relationship on Valentine’s Day, that would be cruel and not something I’d do.

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    1. I had to laugh at your husbands remark about the overhead lighting, maybe you needed a lot more candles for him to see his meal, ha ha ha. Men sometimes have a way of 'putting their foot in it' so to speak.

      I hope you both have a perfect romantic day together and I have no doubts that the meal will be brilliant.
      Thanks for stopping by JerseyLil.

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  33. Although Valentine's Day today is, to some degree, commercialized, celebrating Valentine's Day, for me, is still to celebrate love. But we can make any day of the year a day to celebrate love if we wanted to. We can show how much we love someone on a daily basis and not just on Valentine's Day. Sometimes the little and ordinary things count the most for each couple to make the relationship work. Simplify, simplify, simplify. Each couple must as well acknowledge the fact that love is dynamic and changing and not a once-for-all-time thing. That is true simply because we as people change. We won't continue to be the same men and women, and as lovers, but will grow and modify ourselves to become more of what we can be. Love should become an agent of change for the better.

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    1. Yes, we do change as time goes on and our love can become deeper or less meaningful towards our partners. And I agree that we should show our love any day of the week and not just on Valenetines Day.
      Good to hear from you Napoleon.

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  34. Nice post, Rumpunch. Happy Valentine's Day to those who celebrate it!

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    1. Thanks Balqis, and I hope you're also having a wonderful day whether you will be celebrating or not :)

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  35. It's funny, I don't have much expectations. I'll admit that when my husband and I were dating, I'd have "traditional" expectations that I was "taught" to have. But I got over it quick. After almost 9 years of marriage, I try not to take my husbands affection for granted because he buys me flowers and gifts all the time ;)

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    1. It just goes to show how much he's thinking about you when he sees a gift or a flower shop. That's very nice Hope.
      Enjoy each other today, in fact, enjoy each other everyday :)
      Thanks fro stopping by.

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  36. Over 28 years of marriage I've had all kinds of Valentine's Days, each one interesting in its own way. Usually I have low or no expectations, so no matter what happens it will be a nice surprise. Some years we have gone out for a special dinner, but on the 13th or the 15th, not the 14th (when restaurants are crowded and offer only an overpriced holiday menu). Sometimes one of us surprises the other by cooking something fancy at home. Sometimes it's just cards. One year hubby gave me the chain saw I had been wanting, tied in a big red bow. This year I will be out at a meeting and hubby will be home alone. He had flowers delivered to me yesterday, and I will make a chocolate cream pie for him today.


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    1. Did I just read CHAINSAW in a big red bow? Ha, ha ha ha. That's just so different. What were your plans for it? I'm so curious to know.

      I like the way you both make an effort to do something different and exciting each year, it must be fun thinking of what to do, especially after 28 years of marriage. Congrats mate. And you're right about the cost of eating out on this day. It is a little madly priced.

      Thanks for the comment and I'm still thinking about chainsaw...

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    2. The chain saw sounds exciting doesn't it? At the time I wanted to trim back the limbs on a couple of pine trees we had in our back yard. As it turned out, I ended up having the trees professionally removed because they were diseased . So that beautiful chain saw has been hanging in the garage in pristine condition for quite a while. I smile when I see it. Now, I have a yucca tree that needs to be removed, and this will be the perfect job to initiate the saw.

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  37. Hi RPD
    My first Valentines day alone - and I was quite OK with it funny enough. Although I must admit a card from a secret admirer would have been nice

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    1. I'm just glad you didn't have a sad day Lanthie thinking about the past and what you're going through. Thanks for commenting and enjoy the rest of the week.

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  38. I spend it alone.
    But i will always try to be better.

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    1. Welcome FILESEVEN and I hope you will stop by again to mingle with us here. Thanks for the comment.

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  39. I don't take Valentine's Day to heart. I actually refer to it as VD Day. The only relevance the 14th of February has for me is that it was my parent's 60th anniversary. My husband and I have been married for 30 years. We keep our love/relationship alive with laughter and communication.

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    1. I almost fell off my chair at 60 years of marriage. Your parents ought to write a book about it. Tell them I said CONGRATULATIONS, and I'll make sure I have a drink for them at the weekend. Wow. And 30 years for you and your husband is good innings too. Well done mate.

      Nice to hear from you Lauren :)

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  40. RPD, you have raised questions of existential proportions, having emphasized the pitfalls of the V Day in no uncertain terms in the previous lines. Not that I've not been through some of those travails, aches of unrequited love...

    I'd say that the expectation is the biggest evil of life. If only we could temper our expectations, there will be less shocks everywhere.

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    1. That's right Umashankar. If people don't expect anything then whatever they get would be a bonus, and even if they didn't get a gift, so what? You can't put a price on love.

      Thanks for your comment :)

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  41. Hi RPD! You have just made me a very happy woman. My husband bought me a card. That's it. But he bought me an expensive one, which he always thinks is a waste of money. So that was a big deal for him.

    Sure, I'd love the roses. I'd love the candy. But it's the little things, and in the end, those are the things that keep going past the special day. This was such a great thought-provoker, I really liked it. And it made me realize that my husband went that extra mile. Precious!
    Ceil

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    1. It's good that you were able to see that your husband made an extra effort to get that card because many people would be mad because they didn't get the gift they wanted to get, and this alone can send the colostomy bag towards the fan....

      Always good to hear from you Ceil.

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  42. Thank you for your comment on my blog... When I said how I needed someone not to judge me, I was judged very harshly for something I never said or did... that isn't judgement with love or how I want to judge anyone. I hope you have an amazing day, I always love all your comments :)

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    1. Thank you Launna and thank you for all the support you have given me for quite some time now. I always appreciate it, and enjoy visiting you. Have a lovely week.

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  43. We usually don't celebrate, but I've been ill so hubs got me a pie. A valentine's day pie. It was lovely.

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    1. I truly hope you manage to get rid of that bug you've got Michelle. You've had it for a while now. Get plenty of rest, drink lots of liquids, and make sure hubby gives you extra care and attention. Any of that pie left?

      Thanks for taking the time to read and comment too.

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  44. HA, very thought-provoking post! It's true, this is a holiday of mixed emotions. My husband and I just celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary. Valentine's really isn't that big of a deal to us. I mean after the first...say five or so, they start to get redundant, lol! It's a holiday that puts pressure on many people and is a cause for depression for others. My husband and I have seen this first hand being in ministry full-time for over 18 years. We try to be an example to our congregation every day, not parade what we can do for and give to each other on one particular day. Thanks so much for getting the convo started! Have a wonderful week! ;-)

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    1. Happy Anniversary Michell and I hope you had a wonderful day celebrating.

      Being a good example in your position is so very important because you what you say, what you do and how you live your daily life, can have a lot of influence on many people. And I'm sure you've seen many things during holidays like this too.

      Welcome Michell and thanks for commenting and hope you return to read some more.

      Delete
  45. Movie night and a great home-cooked dinner works just fine for me:) It was perfect!

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    1. I'm glad you had a good time Nicole and thanks for the comment.

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  46. I don't have one to share valentines day with

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    1. Some people have made it into a day that they spend with their families or friends as a way to show love instead of having it as a romantic occasion.

      A warm welcome Caroline, and hope to see you again. Thanks also for the comment.

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  47. Wow...i actually never looked at Valentines' in this way!! Thank you for this perspective, girl!! :) Very interesting..!

    http://anshul90.com

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    1. Welcome Anshul. I'm glad I was able to give you another view of how some people see Valentines Day. It's not always fun and romance.

      Thanks for commenting.

      Delete
  48. If a person is single, it seems harder to deal with spending Valentines day alone. If a person is in a relationship, it will depend on what the expectations are for the two. I don't care for Valentine's day that much anymore. You never know what to expect from the other person.

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    1. Thanks Susana. I guess if you don't expect anything at all, and you're surprised by a card or gift, then it's a bonus, if you're into Valentines Day.

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  49. Actually, I didn't celebrate St. Valentines day. We only have lunch out, but we don't have any special presents!

    XOXO!

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    1. Lunch out is good too. It's nice to get together and catch up on the day. Welcome Fashion Lover, and hope you'll stop by again.

      Delete
  50. RPD, sorry I am just getting to read this post. Normally, my wife and I do the same thing each year for Valentine's Day. We don't play it up very much. In a nutshell, we do no more than go out to dinner. She says she does not like flowers and orders me not to buy them because they last only a few days, making them a waste of money. The past decade or so, however, I stopped listening to her in this regard. I have a florist deliver her the flowers each year, and she is always happy to receive them. We usually take my mom out to dinner out with us for dinner on Valentine's Day and Mother's Day. That way I have the two special ladies in my life with me. But the past few years mom has declined the offer as she is 75 years old and moving a little slower. Anyway, I enjoy the evening alone with my wife. I'm a very busy person and it's great to be able to slow down the pace, if but for an evening with my wife of 35 years.

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    1. I bet that's the only time you get to disobey your wife without receiving an earful, ha ha ha. It's heartwarming to hear about how you included your mum in your Valentines treats. It reminds me of an old piece of popular wisdom that I believe to be true "show me how a man treats his mother, and I'll show you how he'll treat his wife".

      Congratulations of 35 years of marriage. From your avatar and blog, you don't look old enough :)

      Always good to hear from you Frank.

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  51. This is partially the reason why I don't celebrate holidays, period. People expect these gift. I go into it not expecting anything. Every day is worth celebrating. Life is here for us to enjoy. I don't like to put emphasis on a day just because of its title. Celebrate the relationship all the time, not just the days that have titles on them.

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    1. Very well said Kissa. Everyday is special if you want it to be. Thanks for the comment.

      Delete

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