Valentine's Day

So yesterday was the day of love. Big whoop.

At least, that's what Brad Norman would have me believe.

I don't mean to sound cynical. In fact, I should clarify that Brad was a darling on Valentine's Day. He had red roses sent to our apartment with a teddy bear. He also gave me a sweet card, complete with a rebuke of the corporate aspect of the day.

I used to be in the same boat as him. It is a corporate holiday designed to sell cards and flowers. In fact, I think a blog post from about five years ago would read something to the effect of: "why show you love someone on specific days instead of every day of the year?"

I am of a different mind now, and I can blame Brad Norman for it.

He is the one that set the bar high for thoughtful, romantic special occasions. (He says it's because in the beginning he was trying to win me over; I say it's because he used all the good ideas too early.)

When you've been with someone long enough, the magic starts to fade. You just get used to having that person around. You forget that you may not have told them how special they are to you, or at least made them feel that way.

Then a day comes around whose soul purpose is to remind you of those special to you. If Valentine's Day didn't exist, I wonder if some people would ever get a heartfelt card confessing love and devotion, or a bouquet of their favorite flowers that (no matter the cost) remind you of something they share.

For some, Valentine's Day is a tough day to swallow because it forces them to see how alone they are. For others, it is "corporate America" force-feeding another onslaught of retail wares down their throat. Then for some it is just sickening to see public displays of affection or to hear how great so-and-so has it because her husband did this or that.

For me, it is an excuse to do something thoughtful for the ones I love but may have forgotten to say it to in a while.

Brad says he thinks it is better to take a loved one for a weekend at the beach to show how much you care, not through cliche Valentine traditions. Does that mean I get to go to the beach? :)

Happy Valentine's Day.