V Day or SAD

from the mom

Ben introduced his sister to conversation candy hearts over the weekend. I thought they were well out of reach of both of them but Ben is pretty handy with a stool and wanted to be his sister's favorite person for awhile. Ben is having a Valentine exchange at school and so we let him pick out his own little box of cards. (He went for Nemo over Superman.)

I heard on the radio that the average man (I assume "attached" male) spends $100 on V day and the average female (same assumption) spends $60. Okay, we're neither. We've probably not even spent that total in the 6 years we've known each other.

I read an article this week on the horribleness of V-day. It was refreshing because it was a) written by a happily married woman and b) not negative on expressions of love at all. She rightfully pointed out that flowers, candy, and gifts are best when unexpected and that Valentine's Day raises expectations and makes the gift less meaningful. I believe that it would depend on the people involved but I have to generally agree. I also spent a lot of years celebrating SAD (Single Awareness Day) wearing black (not because I was depressed but because I was celebrating by wearing my favorite color). But V-Day does bring that whole "I'm all alone" feeling to the forefront of single life.

Fortunately, we decided to marry on the 15th and celebrate our love on that date and avoid the Valentine's rush. We can go to dinner a day later than the rest of the coupled throng and be able to find a baby sitter and secure reservations at a decent time. I really don't care if the 14th goes by with no fanfare but I do hold a few expectations for the 15th. All of which have always been exceeded.