Be Your Own Valentine

My boyfriend and I don't really celebrate Valentine's Day. Before our first February 14th he asked me what I wanted to do and I suggested we eat at my place (there was a my place then) and afterwards go see Electra at the movie theater. For that I was brought flowers and a card - I think it was out of gratitude. I've always tried to keep the holiday pretty low-key since I believe that if you have to wait for Valentine's Day for romance or attention the relationship is probably doomed.

Happily, we're both pretty good in that department but not because either of us are overly suave or sappy. Sure, we have our cutesy moments, but I think what's important in relationships is that you define what is romance and intimacy and not let the likes of Hollywood or Hallmark define that for you. Thankfully, ignoring the cell phones and curling up on the couch with some delicious Belgian beer and a tray full of snacks we've made together to watch some MMA counts as a romantic evening. And champagne flows freely all year in our household, not just on February 14th. So truly, I can do without the gross commercialism Valentine's Day brings.

But I like the general theory of having a day where love is celebrated. Wouldn't it be nice though, if loving who you are was important today? If being your own Valentine was valued over finding someone to be your Valentine? Now that holiday, I would find useful. If today, instead of writing about why someone else is so special to you, you actually put a list together of the things you like about yourself? Maybe I'll try that. I encourage you to join me. That would certainly add a lot more meaning to this odd holiday. And hopefully, there will be a point where I don't wait until February 14th to appreciate me because I don't want this relationship to be doomed either.