Vulnerability Day
It's worth mentioning that there's nothing wrong with candy and roses. Flowers are beautiful and candy is delicious. However, romantic relationships are so much more than just a gift or a fancy dinner out. And all these expectations about getting your partner a lavish present or making sure those roses get to her office on time... well, they're stressful and do they really work for everyone? There's much pressure to perform and the penalty for failure is so devastating.
Personally, I'm not a roses kind of girl. And right now, our household doesn't have room for more stuff nor do I really need chocolate to know I'm loved. (Chocolate shouldn't be restricted to holidays anyway. My need for the stuff is too persistent.) But, getting the chance to take a break from the daily routine and sit with my partner as we watch someamazing videos... that's what I need. A reminder of how precious our shared experiences are, how we can take courage into our daily lives, and how to look vulnerability in the eye and accept it for what it is: necessary.
Damn, keeping that up isn't easy. That's why I want to remember. Every. Year.
This article is for you, the person out there who isn't satisfied with the traditional Valentine's Day commercial expressions of romance. For those who find their needs met with your love's attention and a lot of chocolate, shine on! And these things aren't exclusive, gifts and vulnerability can happen at the same time. They usually do for me.
If you're happy, you're doing it right, no matter what.