In the past I was never a great fan of Valentine's Day. I believed it to be over-commercialised (still do), with emphasis on the wrong message. Buying roses/chocolates/jewellery/insert gift-seen-in-last-advertisement due to commercial pressure? Not my idea of romance.
My idea of romance: it's not about one day out of 365 but should be an integral part of our lives. The most romantic gestures to me aren't gifts delivered on specific allocated days, but the ones that come out of the blue and show he understands what I need at that particular moment. Time alone to write or to think, coffee on tap, a suggestion that I go back to bed for a nap because he knows I've been awake most of the night, finding some annoying problem around the house fixed without any nagging. Or it may be an unexpected gift or date...not because it's February 14 but just because.
While still not a fan (despite it being our wedding anniversary, which is a different cause for celebration), I now recognise and embrace the positives of celebrating this day. While I believe that the spirit of romance should be celebrated more regularly, I do appreciate that Valentine's puts romance and relationships in the spotlight when too often the happy positive news is shoved out of the way by the negative aspects of human nature.
So, viva romance. I hope you spend time this week or weekend with your sweetheart, your family, your friends. I hope you remember what brings you joy in your relationships. And I hope you read a little romance as well.
Over at
Diamonds Down Under we've blogged about the perfect Valentine's date. Come and say hello and tell us about your favourite date for a chance to win a signed book by
Maxine Sullivan.
Labels: Valentine's Day
posted by Bronwyn Jameson @ 9:55 PM
