Valentine’s Day Is Approaching

Valentine’s Day is fast approaching as you must know (not only by looking at your calendar, but also because in every store you walk into there are hearts, and candy, and other items being displayed for purchase). It used to be that candy and flowers were the norm on this holiday, but some couples extend purchases beyond that. In the office I have heard people discussing Valentine’s Day and making comments such as “my husband better get me something nice for Valentine’s Day”. Although getting a gift from your spouse is a nice gesture, I sometimes feel that the true meaning of this holiday (like most other holidays) is lost because of the commercialism.

Last year my husband and I decided to do something that we called the Valentine’s Day Challenge. We decided to make an agreement that we would not purchase each other anything for Valentine’s Day, but instead make it a day to celebrate love and our life together. This worked wonderfully because we had a discussion about our expectations before the holiday approached. I did not want to define my husband’s love for me by how much he spent, but I wanted him to truly show me that he loves me (isn’t that the real purpose of the holiday – well at least the purpose in present times).

This year we have decided to embark on the Valentine’s Day Challenge again. You are welcome to join us, but even if you decide against it, I encourage you to have a conversation with your spouse about expressing love on that day not only with gifts, but with actions, words, or by other means.