This coming Friday is Valentine’s Day.  A day for lovers.  Yes, I’m talking to you, Romeo (or Juliet, but now that I’m thinking about how they turned out, maybe that’s a bad example). 

The greeting card and gift industry will tell you that’s it’s time to splurge on that special someone.  Buy them flowers, candy, a card, or something else dripped in hearts, chocolate, or blazing red.  Maybe take them out for an expensive dinner or weekend getaway – got to keep that economy rolling, you know.

After being with the same partner in wedded bliss for almost twenty-seven years, I can tell you that there isn’t much left to give her (from a material sense) that can compare to what she’s had to endure from this sweaty, mouth-breathing idiot for half a lifetime.

So, what do we do for Valentine’s Day? 

We keep things simple.

Instead of going out, we have a nice home-cooked meal in (along with a few other couples) to celebrate.  I cook and she does the dishes.  We celebrate with good friends.  Love and laughter over a good meal and a few bottles of wine.

Sure, I’ll get her a card, but that doesn’t replace the daily affirmation of just hearing the words “I love you” from someone who really means it.  We say it a lot – and it still carries weight to hear it.

It’s the little things we do for each other every day, not just on February 14^th.  She notices that I replace the little paper cup on her side of the sink with a new one every few days.  I appreciate that she empties out my coffee grounds from the reusable K-cup for the coffee machine so it’s ready to go when I get up early in the morning.

We rarely pass up the opportunity to give each other a hug.  We still make each other laugh and like to hold hands in the car.

These small gestures don’t cost a thing (money-wise), but they mean more than any grand vacation or expensive gift.

We’re best friends, lovers, confidants, and partners – facing this crazy world together.

I hope you can simply celebrate love with someone you care about, and not just this Valentine’s Day, but every day.