PhillyLibertyBelle Posted February 8, 2017 Posted February 8, 2017 Most people fall into 2 camps: love or hate Valentine's Day. As a child my classmates and I gave each other Valentines and I got one from my mom and grandmother. When I was married we made a big deal about it. For me it's still a romantic dreamy day so I'll probably wear a pink dress to work. Do people still make an event of it, and if you don't get any cards even from family/ friends does it bother you? 1
d0nnivain Posted February 8, 2017 Posted February 8, 2017 I wouldn't say I have any rituals. The day can be painful when you aren't in a romantic relationship but want to be. You feel kind of taunted. I've probably always done something to mark the occasion. But DH & I have never done the same thing twice, unless you count staying home & being low key. We only went out to dinner on V-day itself once because I hate going out on the 14th because the restaurants are so crowded it's not fun. When they were alive, my parents always bought me a heart shaped box of candy. V-day fell about a month after my mother died. I burst into tears when I saw the box of candy my dad had bought me because I knew it had to have been so hard for him to celebrate his first V-day without her in almost 60 years. Yet he did it for me. The following year we all took a trip: me, my husband & my dad. The day wasn't celebrated as much in the country where we were so we all kind of ignored it. DH & I celebrated privately. My dad died that fall. I actually miss my parents on V-day because I always loved the low key "fuss" they made about the holiday. It was quiet & secure. You knew they loved each other & me because it was just so solid. I'm on a diet this year so I have told DH not to get me the box of chocolate if he loves me. I can't handle the temptation. lol It will be my first year ever without that stupid symbol. 6
Author PhillyLibertyBelle Posted February 8, 2017 Author Posted February 8, 2017 I wouldn't say I have any rituals. The day can be painful when you aren't in a romantic relationship but want to be. You feel kind of taunted. I've probably always done something to mark the occasion. But DH & I have never done the same thing twice, unless you count staying home & being low key. We only went out to dinner on V-day itself once because I hate going out on the 14th because the restaurants are so crowded it's not fun. When they were alive, my parents always bought me a heart shaped box of candy. V-day fell about a month after my mother died. I burst into tears when I saw the box of candy my dad had bought me because I knew it had to have been so hard for him to celebrate his first V-day without her in almost 60 years. Yet he did it for me. The following year we all took a trip: me, my husband & my dad. The day wasn't celebrated as much in the country where we were so we all kind of ignored it. DH & I celebrated privately. My dad died that fall. I actually miss my parents on V-day because I always loved the low key "fuss" they made about the holiday. It was quiet & secure. You knew they loved each other & me because it was just so solid. I'm on a diet this year so I have told DH not to get me the box of chocolate if he loves me. I can't handle the temptation. lol It will be my first year ever without that stupid symbol. That's an amazing story and absolutely agree with family Valentines being the best! Maybe you can find a heart shaped cookie cutter and make shapes with fruit for your man instead of him buying you candy to change things up!
Gaeta Posted February 8, 2017 Posted February 8, 2017 I love it, but I love every event or holidays whether it's Xmas or Halloween or V day. To me it's an occasion to stop and do something different, get in the spirit of things, make others feel special, etc. My BF doesn't like any of these but he'll still offer me a card, flowers, candies. To him, and to many people, his opinion is he loves me all year round not only on that day. My opinion is, life is fast, we're busy all the time, why not stop one day and celebrate. 3
JohnAdams Posted February 8, 2017 Posted February 8, 2017 We have pretty much always done something on Valentines Day. At the least, we go to dinner and exchange cards. I sometimes get her a gift, usually jewelry, but I am pretty inconsistent on getting gifts. The last few years and also this coming Valentines Day we have gone to a very nice dinner/dance downtown and stayed at a hotel afterwards. 3
Author PhillyLibertyBelle Posted February 8, 2017 Author Posted February 8, 2017 We have pretty much always done something on Valentines Day. At the least, we go to dinner and exchange cards. I sometimes get her a gift, usually jewelry, but I am pretty inconsistent on getting gifts. The last few years and also this coming Valentines Day we have gone to a very nice dinner/dance downtown and stayed at a hotel afterwards. What a nice way to celebrate and get dressed up to make it an occasion. There are few and far reasons these days for women to get dressed up, hair done, etc. Enjoy the event with your lady!
Popsicle Posted February 8, 2017 Posted February 8, 2017 Im single and don't get anything on Valentine's Day. I'll probably go to Hooters for the free wings they're giving to singles. 7
Got it Posted February 8, 2017 Posted February 8, 2017 With a little munchkin now and it being a workday we aren't going to do anything. I think H is going to make dinner and we will do flowers and cards. I will keep the little one a stuffed toy or something. My mom always made holidays a big deal for the kids so will pass that tradition on. It's highlighted but I also don't put a lot in stock with it. Definitely don't like to go out to dinner on it, way too crazy. 1
Lilyana76 Posted February 8, 2017 Posted February 8, 2017 Im single and don't get anything on Valentine's Day. I'll probably go to Hooters for the free wings they're giving to singles. Makes me wish there was a hooters in my area! I'll have to look and see if any local spots have any specials for singles going on... 1
Author PhillyLibertyBelle Posted February 8, 2017 Author Posted February 8, 2017 How do you prove to Hooters that you're single?
Jj66 Posted February 8, 2017 Posted February 8, 2017 How do you prove to Hooters that you're single? I think it's the tattoo on your forehead.
RecentChange Posted February 8, 2017 Posted February 8, 2017 You know – I make it a habit to not make a big deal out of holidays. I don’t “do” Christmas. I really don’t mind if I don’t do anything at all for my birthday. And I don’t place much significance on Valentine’s day. That said, my husband is a bit more of a romantic than I am. I still remember our first Valentine’s day. It was way back when we were in a long distance relationship. It was a Thursday evening and I had completed my bi-monthly 500 mile drive to his place. I arrived to find a dimmed apartment lit by candles – with a trail of rose pedals starting at the door. A hand written note said to follow them upstairs. They led to the bathroom where he had drawn a fragrant rose pedal covered bath, more candles, and a new silk robe (I still have it!). He had lotion and bath accouterments. Insisted on giving me a massage after my bath. Gosh he spoiled me so much that night! (and I won’t lie, it was nice after a 500 mile drive that included LA traffic) (so guys, want to impress on a low budget, see above) Since then – for Valentine’s day, sometimes we would dress up, go out for dinner and cocktails at a romantic lounge – but its SO busy out on V day we have moved away from that. For a few years we lived way out in the country, and he would bring home a spread of sushi from our very favorite spot – which was almost 2 hours away! Again, humbled by his efforts! But some years, its been a week day, bad weather, busy with work, etc – and we didn’t do much of anything (besides spend time together!) and that’s okay too. For the most part - for Valentines - my favorite is having sushi at home (order out, that way we don't have to deal with the crowds - and sushi is my favorite pre-sex dinner, who wants to be that active after a steak!), maybe something nice to drink, and sex all evening Pretty simple. I don't need diamonds or roses, just some quality time and some good D So, in the end, I am pleasantly surprised when he does something, and not disappointed when we don’t. We never have really exchanged gifts, rather focused on experiences together. Not one for cards either, unless they are hand made (we both have made cards for each other for various occasions over the years). 1
Jj66 Posted February 8, 2017 Posted February 8, 2017 No rituals these days. Either single or with a different person than the previous year it seems. When I was married we'd go to a nice dinner (she LOVED fine dining). We wouldn't go on Valentine's Day itself because we both hated crowds. 2
Popsicle Posted February 8, 2017 Posted February 8, 2017 How do you prove to Hooters that you're single? Check out their website. 1
lana-banana Posted February 9, 2017 Posted February 9, 2017 Speaking of rituals it's time for my annual PSA: don't go out to dinner on Valentine's Day unless you are pulling out all the stops (e.g. a couple hundred bucks per person at a place you know and trust). Restaurants HATE Valentine's Day. There's too much volume to crank out anything really good, so both food and service quality suffers. Most of the crappy $75 prix fixe menus are generic anyway. Luckily my fiancé is a great chef. Two years ago I got four courses including lobster and venison sous vide and delicious wine pairings. Unfortunately, we just bought a house we're renovating and don't have a kitchen (or a shower...). So this year we are picking up some cheese and charcuterie from the cheesemonger, setting up patio furniture and a bunch of tea lights to eat in the house. Romantic in a minimalist way! To my shock this thread has yet to mention the most important Valentine's Day ritual of all, one that is shared by single people and couples alike: 50% off candy and chocolate at CVS the day after! Come on, you guys! Who needs love when you can gorge yourself on low-quality commercial chocolate with all those addictive additives that make it impossible to stop eating? 2
todreaminblue Posted February 9, 2017 Posted February 9, 2017 I dotn like the commercialism of valentines day i love the sentiment and i think if you do things that dont cost money like make your own card or a handwritten note it is special..commercialism makes all holidays and celebrations generic....and over priced....i feel spending time with your so or valentine is something beautiful and aday to look forward too..........and i miss those valentine days ...a meal cooked for me and a special day with the one i love..my valentines days...... that never cost a cent 1
JustGettingBy Posted February 9, 2017 Posted February 9, 2017 I generally just make jokes about how people are giving in to commercialism due to a chemical reaction in their brain that's effectively giving them pleasurable brain damage.
Author PhillyLibertyBelle Posted February 9, 2017 Author Posted February 9, 2017 I generally just make jokes about how people are giving in to commercialism due to a chemical reaction in their brain that's effectively giving them pleasurable brain damage. Who doesn't want a pleasurable chemical reaction? Sounds ok to me!
seekingpeaceinlove Posted February 10, 2017 Posted February 10, 2017 I love holidays and V-day is no exception. In the 5 years my bf and I have been together we've always done something really nice for each other. This is the first year he hasn't mentioned anything about it, so I'm a little surprised. My finances are bit tight right now so I decided to cook and planned a romantic evening at my place, give him a full body massage and a verrry happy ending. I admit I'll be disappointed if he doesn't do anything. I'm not saying a peep until the day comes and goes. Maybe he has something up his sleeve...but I have this odd feeling that he doesn't and I'm not expecting anything. We shall see! 1
SevenCity Posted February 10, 2017 Posted February 10, 2017 Speaking of rituals it's time for my annual PSA: don't go out to dinner on Valentine's Day unless you are pulling out all the stops (e.g. a couple hundred bucks per person at a place you know and trust). Restaurants HATE Valentine's Day. There's too much volume to crank out anything really good, so both food and service quality suffers. Most of the crappy $75 prix fixe menus are generic anyway. Luckily my fiancé is a great chef. Two years ago I got four courses including lobster and venison sous vide and delicious wine pairings. Unfortunately, we just bought a house we're renovating and don't have a kitchen (or a shower...). So this year we are picking up some cheese and charcuterie from the cheesemonger, setting up patio furniture and a bunch of tea lights to eat in the house. Romantic in a minimalist way! To my shock this thread has yet to mention the most important Valentine's Day ritual of all, one that is shared by single people and couples alike: 50% off candy and chocolate at CVS the day after! Come on, you guys! Who needs love when you can gorge yourself on low-quality commercial chocolate with all those addictive additives that make it impossible to stop eating? In the event I find myself with a gf in 2018, will chocolate keep for a year? 1
bluefeather Posted February 10, 2017 Posted February 10, 2017 Im single and don't get anything on Valentine's Day. I'll probably go to Hooters for the free wings they're giving to singles. That dude not in the picture anymore? In the event I find myself with a gf in 2018, will chocolate keep for a year? Freeze it! She'll be none the wiser! I don't particularly like the idea of people telling me what to do (have a bit of a strong aversion to authority) so everyone saying, "today is the day we really show our love for our partner" really irks me. However, this aversion usually gets countered by my desire to make my partner feel special, and we will end up doing something fun... But there was one time I was with someone who felt very similarly to me about the whole thing. She said many times that Valentine's day was lame and just a way to force people to spend money for "the system..." God, that turned me on. She said she didn't want anything on that day, and on that day I showed up at her door with chocolates and a single rose. I told her I couldn't help myself. I wanted to be "conforming" and "societal" for her. She made mocking comments about my "display" all the way to her bed. That was a memorable Valentine's night. Eventually, we went separate ways... but around a year later, we met up and talked. She showed me something that I couldn't recognize. To me, it looked like a blackened piece of paper that had been crumpled and flattened. It was the rose. 1
Jj66 Posted February 10, 2017 Posted February 10, 2017 My gf works Tuesday night so I gave her a surprise Valentines Day gift this afternoon. Spa day gift certificate for the win. 1
basil67 Posted February 10, 2017 Posted February 10, 2017 Usually we do nothing. But this year, a restaurant we love is offering a degustation menu on the 14th. Too good to miss out on. 2
Popsicle Posted February 11, 2017 Posted February 11, 2017 That dude not in the picture anymore? No. Popsicle 1
someloser Posted February 11, 2017 Posted February 11, 2017 I remember as a kid we had to give out cards as part of our grade. It counted towards class participation or something like that. As an adult I must say I've never celebrated. Never had a reason too. Think this year I'm just going to sit here with some Scotch. Maybe see if I can brake my record for finishing the bottle lol. I can't stand this day though. Makes me feel like life is taunting me. ha ha look at you can't get a gf cause you're too scared to say hi etc... Oh well. Just gotta deal.
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