Valentine's Day

I've never had a good relationship with Valentine's Day. I don't like to be told when to tell my significant other that I love her and I don't think that buying expense chocolates and flowers is the way to express that love. Yes, it's nice. But, I think that love is better expressed through sacrifice, giving, being there, listening, holding her when she cries, being her cheerleader, sticking it out through hard times, and supporting her in all of her endeavors. Flowers die and chocolate gets consumed, but sacrificial, unconditional love is forever.

Joi and I decided long ago that we would rather express our love all throughout the year than on one very expensive, commercial holiday. Once when we were dating, I bought her a single rose on Valentine's Day. It was $25. She said "Never do that again!" So, since that time, and to stick it to the man, we celebrate on the 15th when the chocolate is 75% off. Our tradition is to have a spaghetti dinner and watch a Laker game. I enjoy our version of Valentine's Day.

I love my wife very much. I'd buy her anything she wanted. But, I am thankful that she knows that true love is not necessarily expressed through gifts, but rather through the things that I do that shows her that I love her. My goal is to do better at doing those things that expresses that love to her.

Dishes, vacuuming, picking up, giving her the evening off, drawing her a bath, writing love notes on the bathroom mirror, massaging her shoulders without being asked, planning dates, going that extra mile, really listening, valuing her opinion, cooking dinner, keeping our eyes away from smut....Men, these are the things that are wife truly values. Let's do better throughout the year to give these invaluable gifts to our wives.