Now there are many stories about the origin of how Valentine’s Day came about. Whether these stories are true, I would not know as it was not verified. The most popular of it all, describes Valentine as a Roman priest during the Third Century. Emperor Claudius III prohibited all single young men from marriage as they would make better soldiers. Valentine went against Claudius’ orders and continued to perform marriage ceremonies for young lovers in secret. On discovery, Claudius sentenced Valentine to death on 14 February.
Without verification it is believed that St Valentine was the patron saint of love.
On the eve of Valentine’s Day it seems as if many are scrambling to make last minute reservations for a romantic dinner, to buy that perfect gift, a box of chocolates and that enormous bouquet of flowers. It is the main topic of discussion whether in the office, on the radio or television.
What are your plans for Valentine’s Day? How will you be celebrating? What did you get your partner? What is he getting you?
Personally my answer to these questions are quite simple – nothing. As a married couple, my husband and I have no romantic plans for Valentine’s Day. In fact we never celebrate this day and have no intention of doing so in the future.
Don’t get me wrong, I have nothing against this day. If people feel the need to make romantic gestures to their significant other or someone they have been admiring for months – then good on them. There is nothing bad about celebrating and showing love and affection.
As the saying goes, each to their own.
I was never one to celebrate or make a big deal of this day and knowing my husband for 18 years – he feels the same way.
The commercialised aspect of Valentine’s Day is a bit overbearing. Since when did the true meaning of love become an obligation to buy gifts, a box of chocolates, roses, a Hallmark card and a fancy candlelight dinner. It creates an expectation and not living up to that expectation will leave many disappointed.
Why do I need an official day to celebrate my love for my spouse or partner? Should this day be a reminder of the love we share and what happens the next day? Do we just pick up and carry on as normal, until the next Valentine’s Day comes along? Surely expressing your love for your spouse or partner should be everlasting.
A specific day should not be a reassurance of love. Giving an expensive gift does not express love.
To me love means that I have someone to count on 365 days of the year. Love is not always glamorous – it is about having a partner that will rub my aching feet after a long and tiring day. It is waking up at 02h00 in the morning to nurse your sick child and allowing your spouse to sleep. Love is having arguments and finding a way to forgive and learn from it. It is selfless and about making sacrifices. Love is humble and allows you to trust and pray with your partner.
On the other hand, romance is an expressive act. Although associated with love, it is an act that should not be pressurised or forced. It should have real meaning and be authentic. The most popular ways of portraying romance is by means of little surprises, flowers, gifts and going on date nights.
Whereas true romance is an act of gratitude and appreciation for your spouse or partner. It does not have to be commercialised. It is about noticing that person, listening to them, learning something new about them and acknowledging their worth.
Although we don’t celebrate Valentine’s Day, we do many special and spontaneous things for each other – on other days. Love and romance is celebrated on our terms – it is not specified on a calendar.
Hoping that this day will be special whether you are in a relationship or single.
I would love to hear your views on Valentine’s Day and whether you celebrate this day or not. Feel free to share your comments.
Much love,
Noleen I’m with you. I prefer to receive and give my romantic gestures spontaneously, not by order of commercial enterprise #dreamteam
Author
It’s just too overrated. Celebrate on your own terms.#dreamteam
We don’t celebrate it. It’s just another day to us but I do like how the kids get to ‘celebrate’ at school. It’s nice for them to have all these different days to see them through the ‘boring’ ones until the next fun day.
Author
Agree – the kids absolutely love it.
My husband and I celebrated our 23rd valentine’s day together yesterday. We’re very much about gestures on any day…he buys me flowers all the time. Gives me foot rubs, breakfast in bed, so it’s not a one day a year thing. I’m not for the huge flower walls (ala Kimye) and grand displays of affection and lavish gifts, BUT I also enjoy on the one day we do carve out that time for ourselves.
Some years when finances are bad, we have done nothing or sat at home with a woolies rotisserie chicken and malva pudding….surrounded by our kids. But other times if we have some cash, we dress up and go somewhere nice. With life being so busy, we rarely give ourselves a night off to go on a date night….but Valentines day we try to make the effort.
Author
Congrats on 23 years – that is amazing and glad you had a wonder Valentine’s. Date nights doesn’t have to be fancy and expensive. Just spend quality time together – even if it is just popcorn, red wine and a movie at home. Without the kids of course.
My mom, brother, sister in law and nephew live with us…we NEVER have alone time. So…hence we have to go out if we want alone time 😉 It’s not to be fancy or expensive. Heaven knows I’d prefer series and popcorn in my bed. lol
Author
Ok so your situation explains it perfectly and it seems as if you don’t have a problem lining up babysitters. An idea for alone time could be a picnic in a park and if there is a free concert happening then that is a bonus or a sunset drive – just the two of you. And of course when you have the time and life doesn’t get in the way.
We ended up eating a very late, easy dinner and then going to bed early. It was awesome! #DreamTeam
We don’t celebrate Valentine’s Day.
We do celebrate Valentine’s day, but more as an excuse to get a nice meal and treat each other to something nice. I think it’s a nice reminder to think about one another more regularly. Thanks fo rlinking up to #fortheloveofBLOG x
Author
I think most share this sentiment.#fortheloveofBLOG
Hi, we don’t to celebrate it either, being spontaneous is much nicer #TwinklyTuesday
Author
Totally agree and spending time with each other on your own terms and time – not being prescribed when to.#TwinklyTuesday
I think you make some great points here – love isn’t about one day in the year and it’s not about expensive gifts. But, hubby and I do celebrate valentines day because money is tight and we often are unable to buy things for each other (even though we want to) – Valentines, birthdays, Christmas – they’re all good excuses to finally shower some gifts on each other and make something special out of the day. #blogcrush
Author
As long as you make it special for each other and know that it’s not just about the gifts.#Blogcrush
My mummy and daddy have been married for 11 years and know each other for nearly 20! Valentine’s Day is just another day to them as well – however this year Grandma treated them to a spa day which was unexpected and very nice 🙂 Its good to treat loved ones – but it should be all year round x #TwinklyTuesday #DreamTeam
We celebrate, but just putting in an effort with dinner at home (there seems to be kids stuff on that continues regardless). Here in Sydney, the Lunar New Year seems to have eclipsed Valentine’s Day. So when I went to get oysters at the fish markets, the decorations were all for the new year, not love. I like that better – more inclusive.
#TwinklyTuesday
We’ve never celebrated Valentine’s day in the five years we’ve been together. I don’t like the thought of having to show you care because of the date. Spur of the moment acts are much more appreciated #twinklytuesday
Author
Appreciation for your partner should be shown all year round and you so right, if it is spur of the moment then it is much more appreciated.#Twinklytuesday
I understand your point of view, you have to go with what is right for you X #twinklytuesday