A good thought for Valentines Day..

The media foster unrealistic expectations when it comes to the way men and women express love on Valentine's Day. Watch a dozen jewelry commercials, and you'll likely be anticipating a candlelit dinner where hubby props a diamond solitaire on your tiramisu. Or sit through a few flower ads, and you may find yourslf waiting breathlessly by the front door for a dozen long-stemmed roses to be delivered.
Those things are nice, but the reality is, the most extravagant gift many of us will receive February 14th is a heart-shaped cardboard box of chocolates and a homemade greeting card (which seemed thoughtful and touching before we saw the commercials).
Romance doesn't flourish because you max out your credit card. Romance flourishes when you open your eyes to the greatness of your mate--just as he or she is today. For example, men on commercials do things like light candles and fill bubble baths for their wives, while regular guys show they care by paying the medical insurance on time or checking the oil in the car before a big trip. Not romantic, but loveable all the same.
Women on television are portrayed as despeately sexy houswives, or as scantily clad stick figures who run corporate America. But the truth is, most women can be found doing things like nursing the baby, mopping spilled juice and Cherrios off the floor, or raising a gaggle of kids while fighting to lose those last 30 pounds. Not perfect, but perfectly wonderful.
Adjusting your expectations to line up with reality will foster a happy union and help you enjoy your mate.




(credit given to In Touch magazine)

Message edited 2/13/2009 10:50:43 AM.

Re: A good thought for Valentines Day..

I like this!

DH told me that for Valentines day, he doesn't want to go to a ridiculously expensive prix-fix place, since "our" little Italian place closed down. I looked at him like he was crazy and said - do you think that's what I want? I told him that after the crazy year with work stuff, economy stuff and parenting stuff- I just want to have a nice quiet dinner with him where we can enjoy a good meal and talk over a nice glass of wine.

And I told him the only thing I really want- is to write down his feelings in a card or find one that expresses his feelings- and get me those tiny Neco hearts.

And for the record, I have told him over and over, the most romantic thing he can ever do for me- is to have me walk into a CLEAN apartment that I didn't have to work on myself. Tell me ladies, what's more romantic than that?

Re: A good thought for Valentines Day..

I completely agree. After our first Valentine's Day together, we haven't exchanged gifts. We just try and spend time together. Sometimes I just ask for DH to watch a "girly" movie with me... Ah, the little things that make me happy LOL

Re: A good thought for Valentines Day..

Just taking the time to acknowledge each other is all the romance i need. Just the thought of making time, understanding what the other one needs is what's it's about for me.

Re: A good thought for Valentines Day..

Excellent post!