Column post by Laura Hyers“It’s materialistic and stupid,” my husband, Caleb, said when I asked him why he hates (loathes) Valentine’s Day. “We should care for each other every day, not just one day out of the year. Its just dumb. It was invented by Hallmark. Well, perpetuated. It is what it is now because of the American… whatever.”
It was a point of contention in our relationship all during dating, that he hated Valentine’s Day. I just wanted to do cute, couple-y things, the things I had dreamt up in my head that would happen when I found the man I was going to marry. I don’t need a dozen red roses that cost ten times more than they should, not was I looking for dinner at a five-star restaurant that neither of us could afford. I simply wanted to know he was thinking about me, attentive to what I enjoy and appreciate and am passionate about. He just wanted to rage against the social norm that states he has to buy me stuff because of what day of the year it is. So, like any young couple does about these things, or like we always did about these things, we fought about it. Every single year. We’re both passionate about what we think–and just as stubborn.
Last year was our first Valentine’s Day as husband and wife; I was so excited. I had plans to decorate and make a fancy dinner, buy him something cool and guitar-related and surprise him, drink some wine, have a romantic evening. But we had absolutely no money, so those dreams faded into something more realistic, more like dinner and drinks and a rented movie.
Until I was scheduled for a tonsillectomy six days before Valentine’s Day. He laughed it off because he hates it anyway, and I begrudgingly assumed it would be his get-out-of-jail-free card.
Cue surgery, and painkillers, and weird post-op Laura who had to set alarms to remember the next dose of steroids and antibiotics who could barely remember that its February in the first place, who was in and out of sleep for what felt like forever. One afternoon, Caleb came home and rushed into our room where I sat (groggily) trying to read. He strode to my side of the bed and set a plastic convenience store bag down with a flourish and a grin. Inside I found a gigantic Dr. Pepper and a bag full of mini York Peppermint Patties — my favorite soda and my favorite candy.
Confused, I looked at him and he smiled big and said, “Hey, Happy Valentines Day.”
So this year, I made sure to ask him what he wanted, to set a budget he felt was reasonable in spite of how he feels about this greeting-card holiday. And even if I’m buying something as unromantic as shotgun shells, I’m thankful I can buy him anything at all. We’re still passionate, and just as stubborn, but like young couples do that love each other the way we do, we found something that works.
Happy Valentine’s Day! Leave a comment and be entered to win a free PINK copy of Jesus Calling by Sarah Young to be given away on Valentine’s Day.
Laura Hyers is a Tampa native, writer, and the newly wed wife of musician Caleb. She recently graduated from the University of South Florida with a bachelor’s degree in psychology with a concentration in literature and is currently teaching preschool. When not chasing a class of two-year-olds, Laura is writing and fighting fierce bouts of wanderlust. She loves music, reading, being near the ocean, and dreaming big over huge cups of coffee with her best friend Lakin. Laura blogs at http://littlebirdmarie.wordpress.com.
Read more encouraging stories from brave-hearted women here. Be sure to grab your free copy of inspirational quotes and writing prompts while you’re there. (Look over on the right hand side!)
Thank you for offering the beautiful devotional…I have given it as gifts many times and don’t have one of my own…I always give it away to someone hurting…If I would get this special one I would keep it for myself…Thank you JoAnn for offering this today.
Hugs
Linda
Last Valentine’s Day I realized that I can’t wait for someone else to make me feel special on February 14. So I vowed to always make myself feel special and to not feel sorry for myself when my husband doesn’t get me anything for V-day (again). I’m 45-years-old, and I’m finally in a place where I’m not sad and angry on Valentine’s Day. That’s my gift to myself this year. Who know what I’ll get for myself next year! ! (But a pink copy of Jesus Calling would be a nice surprise too) 😉
What a great outlook, Becky! We could all use a little of your ingenuity and positive approach. I’ll be praying you get that sweet pink book, too!