Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day is this weekend and I face it with feelings approaching dread. I know many people dismiss the "holiday" as Hallmark created, but as with other holidays, I adore celebrating and always work to make it special. It may seem silly, but I love all the hoopla. Sending valentines, buying little gifts for those I love - it all makes me smile.
Last year, a week before Valentine's Day, I confessed to Darren how much I loved the day and wanted to make it special. I think he was surprised, but he rose to the occasion and took me out for a fabulous dinner at Greenwood Hills. We dressed up and went out and had a terrific time, one I'll never forget.
A friend of mine asked recently why Valentine's Day, of all days, makes such a difference to me - and it's difficult to explain. I love holidays - all of them. I make a big deal out of birthdays, out of Christmas, even out of the 4th of July. But I know not everyone in my life shares my enthusiasm. I realized today that it has been over 20 years since someone sent or brought me flowers. I haven't received a romantic valentine's day card since I was 22, and haven't gotten a birthday or Christmas gift from a husband or boyfriend for.....well.....hmmm......probably a dozen years or more. This is not to say I only give cards or gifts with the expectation that they be returned (or, frankly, I'd have learned my lesson years ago.) But I can't even explain how much even the smallest gesture is so appreciated.
A year has gone by. We're more comfortable together, more apt to take each other for granted. It's a given that we love one another - it's no longer a question. But does that make Valentine's Day less important? Or - more?
Regardless of whether you're a romantic, everyone wants to be loved. What's more, they want to FEEL loved. It doesn't have to be expensive - a five dollar bouquet is just as effective as an 80 dollar vase filled with roses. Letting the day go by without even a small gesture.....well...I guess I just don't want to settle for that anymore.