Happy Buy Your Spouse an Obligatory Card Day (or Happy Feel Like Crap Day, if You're Single)

Here we go again...

Another year, another saccharin-soaked holiday fueled by the choco-industrial complex. 

Oodgie and I share a distaste for Valentine's Day.  There's always this sense of obligation that we're supposed to do something "special," even though we both know it's a manufactured sentiment.  It's like New Years Eve and St. Patrick's Day--people get crazy, and the rest of us suffer.

In my opinion, every day should be a day that celebrates your love for your spouse, partner, boy/girlfriend, mistress, or stuffed animals (if you're a plushy).  Why wait until the middle of February to make time for that?  I don't know about you, but I'm constantly thinking of new and fun ways to show Oodgie I love her...and some day, I'm actually going to do some of those things.

And then, if you do try to do something nice, you're probably trudging through sleet, getting ripped off by the local jeweler or florist, or faced with crowded restaurants only serving price-fixed menus featuring chicken (if you can even get a reservation).

Now normally we'd just swap cards, pour a drink, and settle in for the ongoing adventures of Jack, Kate and Sawyer, but tonight is the only night this week where one of us doesn't have some prior obligation.  We'd love to take advantage of the opportunity--score a babysitter, grab dinner and a movie, and maybe kill a hobo or two afterwards.  You know, the usual.  But where are we going to find a babysitter on Valentine's Day?  Or a table anywhere besides a sports bar (although if the nachos and wings are good enough...)

I'm just venting.  We're frustrated because it's a stupid holiday and it's getting in the way of our fun.  And I shouldn't let my own sourpuss attitude spoil the heart-pounding romance of you, my loyal readers.

So whether it's romantic love, erotic love, or Courtney Love you share, don't let the pressure of Valentine's Day turn your relationship into a competition over who bought the fanciest chocolates. If you're doing something nice with each other, enjoy it to the fullest. Give him/her a kiss, tell them you love them, and make sure you do it again tomorrow.  And the next day.  And the next day.

Just don't let those bastards at Hallmark see you, or they'll turn that into a holiday, too...

Comments

[MammaLoves]

But what would the florists do without these manufactured holidays?!

Enjoy your night in.

[Oh, The Joys]

Preach it teacher!

[Wendy Boucher]

I asked my Hubby (with sarcasm) what he was getting me for Valentine's Day and he said, "a visit to this place we call heaven on Earth." Then he gestured around our thoroughly trashed family room piled high with Girlie's birthday presents and discarded wrappers. He was being funny but he had a point. And so do you! THanks.

[Melissa R. Garrett]

We usually just get a little something for our three kids. Oldest got some glitter spray for her hair, middle got a tin of pirate bandaids, and youngest got some stickers - all picked out by my Valentine and adored by the monkeys. He surprised me with a pink coffe mug and some fresh coffee beans, which we ground and enjoyed together. Nah - no going out for us. We'll be having homemade mac 'n cheese for dinner tonight!

[p-man]

We're buying a house today. A gingerbread house. In a forest. I LOVE v-day and I LOVE uncontrolled consumer debt. Nothing says "I love you" like insolvency.

[misfithausfrau]

Good post.

[chocolate makes it better]

There just aint enough hobo's to kill these days are there?

[whit]

I used to look forward to Valentine's Day for the sex, but now that I'm married I just eat a bowl full of m&m's with Guinness (it's like cereal) and watch Charlie Brown stalk the little red-haired girl.

That's a holiday.

[MetroDad]

You totally jinxed me, dude! My babysitter cancelled last night. Ended up eating takeout and watching "Lost." Just like every other Wednesday night.

Hope you guys had fun.

[Kara]

Our deal: I remember the huz (he requires chocolate)and the child (she requires a stuffed animal and Pez) and they return the favor today (my b-day).

And we hardly ever go out unless my mom's around to watch the kid.

[L.A. Daddy]

I've always felt that V-Day was more suited to those who were dating. Once you're married, you've got your own special day, n'est pas?

[thordora]

I like having something happy in the middle of Feb. But I don't need something romantic-I was quite content with the second Dexter book. :)

We don't try too hard, and just try to be simply loving, as we usually are. It works out.