Roses are red.

Violets are blue.

Tomorrow is the 15th, and I’ll still love you.

Valentine’s Day was slowly approaching and the days were running together. Everyday was just another day, pretty much like the one before. My husband comes in and asks, “Are we doing something for Valentine’s Day?” My reply, “What do you mean? We never do anything for Valentine’s Day!!!”

After four years of dating and sixteen years of marriage, Valentine’s Day continues to have little value in our household. As my husband stated, “It is a commercialized holiday that gives a false perception of love.” We agreed that gifts of endearment should be given throughout the year and not on one designated day. Love has no date, and there is no moment like the present to show someone how you truly feel. In no way are we criticizing those who celebrate Valentine’s Day; it’s just something we don’t do.

In the beginning phase of our relationship, my boyfriend (at that time) and I had a long distance relationship. We were not able to do the movies, dinner dates and concerts. So, we spent a lot of time talking on the phone. One day, he asked had I checked the mail. Huh, I never check the mail, but that day a package had been delivered for me. In the package was a brown stuffed teddy bear wearing a blue and brown bow tie with an included letter. It was just the beginning of the small tokens that would arrive. During the one and a half years of our long distance relationship, he continued to demonstrate his love for me without the hype of a holiday.

Twenty years later, not much has changed and my husband still delivers. He still finds new ways to express his love.  Someone stated,  “On Valentine’s Day, your significant other should go the extra mile.” What does the “extra mile” look like and why wait? Please don’t wait until a holiday to possibly miss the opportunity to meet a need. Waiting until Valentine’s Day to go the extra mile could be the difference between a relationship lasting and one being damaged and/or destroyed.

My husband and I are still in the “growing” phase of our marriage. Yes, we’re still growing after sixteen years. The best gift we have given to each other is the willingness to listen. Listening helps us understand one’s wants and one’s needs. When he asked if we were celebrating Valentine’s Day this year, I heard him, and I needed to make sure I understood. Fortunately, he was just making sure we were keeping tradition. We spent the day together and even sat down for a very casual lunch together. From there, the day became much like the day before.

Outfit Details

Red Denim Jeans (JC Penney’s)

Top (Rainbow)

Shoes (Trend Mall)

Hat ( K&G Fashion Superstore)