Love is free.
Until very recently, my husband and I didn’t celebrate Valentine’s Day. Occasionally, I’d say, “Happy Valentine’s Day” in much the same way I’d wish him a happy birthday. We rarely, however, went out to eat. He stopped buying me flowers years ago.
Until this year, we didn’t do these things for two reasons. One: we’re both practical people, and practical people don’t spend twice as much on flowers on Valentine’s Day just because everyone else does the same thing.
Two: until somewhat recently, I didn’t enjoy my husband’s company very much. Valentine’s Day was just a cruel reminder that I’d married the wrong person.
Now I no longer feel as if I’ve married the wrong person. My husband is right for me in every way. I love him more than ever. For the first time in years, I find myself wanting to celebrate this great day of love of ours. Here’s my new complication: money. We’re on the tightest budget imaginable.
So, as we’ve done in year’s past, we won’t go out to eat. He won’t buy me flowers. We will, however, celebrate Valentine’s Day with what I’m going to call Free Acts of Loving. Who needs flowers when there are back rubs to be had? Who needs dinner at a restaurant when there is wine to sip in bed? Who needs chocolate when there’s sex?
Who needs a store bought card when there’s Haiku? In my Win a Wii contest, I challenged all of you to write Haiku, which is three lines of poetry that do not rhyme. The first line contains 5 syllables, the second 7, and the third three. For my husband, I’ve written the following 5 stanza Valentine’s Haiku. (Note: we will be judging the contest next week. Stay tuned.)
Ode to Mr. Strong and Silent
I wake up sleepy.
I bitch and complain a lot.
You bring me latte.
I have a hard day.
I stare at the wall and cry.
You bring me wine.
My pants are too tight.
I ask you if I look fat.
You say I am beautiful.
I think bugs are gross.
You kill bugs and rodents.
I thank God for that.
I make you bacon.
I tolerate your mother.
You know I love you.
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How will you show your partner love this year? Do you have any free Valentine’s Day suggestions? Leave a comment. Also, check out these great Make it Yourself Valentine’s Day ideas.
Copyright 2009 Project Happily Ever After
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{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }
Well, Alisa – I don’t have a loved one to dote on this Valentine’s Day, but if I did, I would fix him a very romantic candlelight dinner. (Probably Italian) Then I would share a lavendar scented shower with him, shampoo his hair, lather up his body, then gently towel him off. I would put Dylan on the cd player. Then I would lead him to a bed scattered with rose petals, and let Cupid’s arrow pierce our hearts…… Doesn’t cost much at all, and promises to be something we would never forget.
This wasn’t an issue for me this year since my husband had to go out of town. Unlike him, my very romantic son is coming home from college this weekend to be with his girlfriend. At least I’ll get to see him a little.
Great article. I dugg it.
My husband just got back from a business trip, so spending the day together as a family with our boys is the best present I could ask for. I’ll make a nice dinner, and after the kids go to bed, it’s time for romance.
We are the same way – practical. Glad to know there are others out there who are like that. I love the way you put Valentine’s Day in perspective. I love the Haiku, especially the last stanza is exactly what I should say to my husband.
I hope you will post about how you changed from thinking you married the wrong person to loving him more than ever. (or did I miss that post.) I think that will help a lot of struggling marriages.
Great post.
Again, a very funny blog entry. My husband and I are the exact same way – practical. I do love him and enjoy his company. Here’s my tip on celebrating Valentine’s Day on a budget. Just get sick, stay in bed and insist that he take care of you by bringing you tea on command, making a nice comfort-food dinner, and then stroking your head.
My V Day was nice!
My husband and I have always been able to financially celebrate Valentine’s Day in a big way but we have chosen to not do that. Instead we write each other a love letter expressing gratitude, kindness and appreciation for each other. Some years it has not been easy but we find it so rewarding. Give it a try. It costs nothing.
There are so many ways to express you love to your mate without spending a lot of money. Especially for Valentine’s Day 2010 saving money but still celebrating your love is a great idea. This economy has hurt way to many people and too many have lost their jobs. Valentine’s Day should not just be able to be celebrated with money buying gits.
(1) Give each other a massage.
(2) Have a picnic on your dining room floor if weather does not permit.
(3) Send you lover a link to a video from you tube that has captured a great performance of love song they love or that you would like them to here.
(4) Call your favorite radio station and dedicate a song to them. Record the play and play it for them while having the picnic.
(5) Use washable chalk or paint and create a valentine message on the sidewalk leading to the house.
There are just many, many, many ways to show you love them without having to spend money.
Celebrate your relationship with the things that matter and have a wonderful 2010 Valentine’s Day.
Wow Valentine’s day is fast approaching! That would be really nice if you could give your special someone a bunch of flowers, and take her out in the movie perhaps. Nice poem I find it funny but sad at the same time. THanks for the post!
.-= Romanticflowers´s last blog ..Valentine’s Day is February 14 =-.
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