Copeland Style Valentine's Day

When we were dating, Joi and I celebrated Valentine's Day. I'd buy her flowers and maybe chocolate, we'd have dinner out. When we got married we both realized that Valentine's Day was a consumer trap. Flower prices went sky high. Chocolate was overpriced. Even dinner out at a decent, romantic place was crowded and expensive. So, we decided to start our own tradition. When we were in California, our tradition was to get Vince's Spaghetti and watch a Laker game. Okay...not really romantic in the traditional sense, but it worked for us. Now that we are in Colorado, we have to figure out a new tradition because the Laker games are on later here and there is no Vince's Spaghetti (sadly).

I'm more of a proponent of showing Valentine's Day love, affection, and gifts all year long. I buy flowers for Joi fairly often (usually once every month or two). I write little notes on the bathroom mirror with a dry erase marker. I hide heart shaped love notes around the house. I don't need Valentines Day to force me to remember that I need to show my wife that she is special to me. In fact, recently, I made it my goal to do one romantic thing for Joi every single day. I want her to know that she is special to me and that I am thinking about her.

We don't celebrate Valentine's Day in the traditional sense.We do it our own way. This year, Joi is going to make homemade spaghetti on the day after Valentine's Day. Also, on the day after Valentine's, I'm going to the store to purchase her an assorted box of chocolates at 50% off or more. Chocolate is still an important element in romance. It's even nicer when the price romances our budget.

Joi and I were just talking about our Valentines Day tradition. She said she likes it because it shows our boys that it's their job to show their wives that they love them all year long and not just one day a year when the "consumer market" tells us it's time. I like my wife. We're on the same page.