4 more days until Val......wait shhhhhhh! Are you crazy? Don't say that word!!!!!! I HATE that word!! Hell, I hate the whole day!!!!! Hallmark, ugh!
We all hate it. It's no surprise anymore. Everything is expected!!!! Single women hate it because that someone special doesn't exist. Men hate it because they have to think. Married couples hate it. Yes, that's right single ladies, it does NOT change just because you're married, which makes you hate it even more.
"It's too much of a show," we say.
"How original," we say.
"Hallmark."
Yet, let me ask you a question! In a world full of so much ugly hate, why is it so bad to be "forced" to celebrate love? I'll tell you why! Because we are selfish.
We want the very crap we hate so much. We want the Hallmark holiday. The Hollywood production. The flowers, the gifts, the jewelry, the treats, the chocolates, the....love? But what is love, really? Love is not Hallmark, and I think we all know that.
Love is bringing your wife home a bouquet of her favorite flowers and taking her by the hand and hip and dancing in the kitchen, not because it's what she wants (of course she loves it) but because your daughter is watching you from the family room.
Love is making dinner for the single mother (or father) who lives in 20A. To see the look on the children's faces when they see that someone else is thinking of them. Someone wanted to bring them joy, feed them a home-cooked meal and share stories. They will remember that forever.
Love is taking your nephew shopping for that special someone in his life. Showing him the tricks of the trade and how to treat a woman. Teaching chivalry.
Love is taking your best friend to dinner and telling her what an amazing human being she is. How she's influenced you, taught you, motivated you.
Love is taking your kids to your grandpa's grave and placing flowers on it to say "I love you." To teach them that love is everywhere.
Love is taking chocolates to Betsy Joe, the 98 year old woman in your church who no longer has loved ones around to remind her she's loved.
Love is inviting Christie, the 45 year old divorcee from your "Women Against Violence" class, on a hike. Or taking Joe from your AA class to grab a cup of...Joe!
You get the point. The fact is simple. You can find a million reasons to HATE Valentine's Day, but there are so many other reasons to love it. Make it not a holiday about glitz and glam, but kindness. Showing love in "unoriginal" ways and teach your kids the same. They will forever be thankful for it.
On another note. Love yourself. Ladies, I'm talking to you. Love is a two way street and it starts with you. Love who you are, in the skin you're in, and others will follow.
Be a better example to our little girls. Teach them to have self respect and end the hatred but also teach them not to expect so much from our partners, and to share that responsibility. Make daddy a special dinner. Get up early and make your boyfriend breakfast before he goes to work. Show HIM you're thinking of HIM too!!!!
Show love. Share love. Speak love.
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Please spread the love. Share this with friends, family, loved ones. End the pity parties, love is much more fun!
