Great Expectations (Valentine’s Day Edition)

It always go hand and hand, don’t you think? Our great expectations and Valentine’s day. So much pressure. Studies find and not surprising actually, that men do more during Valentine’s Day, and spend more than women. I rarely plan, if anything, for Valentine’s Day. Not because I’ve had the same Valentine for the last twenty years but also I’m not {{{gasped}}} big on Valentine’s day. There’s no joy for me, no fun when the cost of flowers suddenly triple, or the restaurant tries to usher you as quickly as possible to turn their tables. But I’m not dead inside either so my husband and I do celebrate, in some form or another. These “forms” include:

1. Ordering take-out. My husband has done this several times but one that stands out was when he talked to the chef of our favorite restaurant while I was HEAVILY pregnant and on bed rest, and the chef made a meal especially for me. I ate the best food while I was in pajamas and I can’t see my feet.
2. Visiting a book store (now that’s romantic).

3. Watching a favorite movie at home (usually a classic as we’re both suckers for old movies. Cary Grant, anyone?).
4. Hiking, because what’s more romantic than being in your favorite spot with just the two of you?

5. Writing a simple note or card of love as a reminder to each other of how much we love each other which, let’s face it, can get lost in the midst of laundry and football practice.
6. Go out for breakfast. Nothing says “I love you” more than a stack of chocolate chip pancakes.
7. Lingerie. Do I need to elaborate here?
8. Cuddling. Sounds simple enough? But when you have four young kids, a dog, dishes in the sink, this is a luxury. To be just present for each other, and in the moment.
9. Going to a museum. We’re both history buffs, him more than me. Do you know how empty a museum is on Valentine’s day? It’s quieter than the library.

10. Luxury theater. If you have it in your area, I highly recommend this. Seats are reserved, food delivered to your seats. Going to a luxury theatre is such an experience, the movie can become a secondary attraction.

And if you happen to be celebrating Valentine’s day alone (which I’m no stranger to the concept) whether by choice or force of circumstance, don’t forget to love yourself and do something nice for yourself too. To be able to love someone, requires loving yourself.