What I Have Learned - Take Nineteen

I have learned that I love Valentines Day.

I know this comes as a big shock to everyone, but I love Valentines Day. Impossible to imagine, right?!?! It is sappy, sentimental, mushy, and just plain overrun with emotion. Somehow I think this holiday was just MADE for me....

Valentines Day has not always been filled with roses and romance for me. In fact, I have probably personally had more bad years than good years celebrating the holiday. The past three years have certainly been the exception, not the rule. But even with my own personal experiences, my love for Valentines Day has never diminished.

I realize it is highly commercialized. I understand it is a holiday some say created by the Greeting Card Companies. And I know that people should celebrate their love for each other every day and not allow some calender to dictate that celebration. But how can you dislike a day with so much love in the air?

For you men out there, Valentines Day is a day you should be THRILLED with. Every store in the world is giving you amazing gift ideas, and constant reminders of the need to purchase something for your loved one. Unlike birthdays and anniversaries, you cannot possibly forget Valentines Day. Every store, every commercial, every everything is screaming at you. You can't even walk into your local gas station without something red and cute staring you in the face. I can't speak for all women, but most just want to know you are thinking of them and that they mean something to you. Valentines Day makes that a perfect time to tell and show them.

For you women out there, the stores make it pretty easy for you too. What man wouldn't love you to purchase some new lingerie to model for him. Seriously, he doesn't want a teddy bear or flowers, he wants you to show him some skin. If you aren't the lingerie type, then cook him his favorite meal. You get flowers, teddy bears, and chocolate - he gets you in sexy lingerie or his favorite meal. Done deal, fair trade, everyone wins.

So why are there so many Valentines Day Haters??

Last year, the love of my life had this amazing evening planned out. It was to be our first night in our new home. He was going to make me a home cooked meal- all my favorites. He was even making me chocolate lava cake. He bought special candles and toasting glasses - rose petals and the works. As we were driving to the house to get everything prepared, the water main accidentally got hit, it cracked and suddenly we had a HUGE water leak outside. We had to shut off the water and call a plumber immediately. Needless to say, our plans came to a screeching halt.

We may not have had our perfectly planned night that night, but we had each other. And really, when you get down to it, that is what Valentines Day is all about. We did end up having a 'do over' the next night. It may have shown a different date on the calender, but we were still celebrating all that Valentines Day should mean. We were celebrating our love.

The holiday doesn't have to be just about romantic love, it can be a moment to share your love and appreciation with your parents, children, friends, and even your pets. Valentines Day gives us a day where love is in the air, all around, and in our hearts. The world could use a little more of those days. <3