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This was actually tougher than the Christmas shopping guide to produce, which I wasn't expecting.
I could have done with another week for further revision, but obviously didn't have the time, so I don't feel it's as good as it could have been.
A lot of shops have been stocking up in this last week, so things were changing constantly.
Thanks everyone for your suggestions, they made me think about other possibilities.
The nearer it gets to the day you see hoards of people looking daunted at the selections- a bit glazed in fact.
So guides do get used. In fact some websites list them.
But, with a husband who has never seen the point of Valentine's Day, I sometimes have a lingering regret that the day will pass unnoticed.
Daft or what?
Monkeynuts that card is a good example of why you should read what any card says and look for a possible alternative interpetation. Then avoid it like the plague.
cards. Last year I wrote a poem to my husband entitled My Best Friend and My Lover. This year I wrote Valentine's Through The Years, a poem
tracing its history, the final verse ending:
We still keep this custom alive through the
years
If we don't get a Valentine, there are tears -
We feel neglected, despondent and quite sad
Feeling we're unloved, then realise we are mad
To attach importance to just this one day
When more true love throughout the year should
hold sway.
Let's return to the secret Valentine cards
Reawake poetic licence in all bards!
It's not particularly good poetry, but the whole poem reminds me of the history and meaning of the day and our love.
I thought the idea behind Valentine's Day was the opportunity to express one single persons emotional feelings toward another single person. It is an anonymous salutation of something that appears unattainable.
Once the relationship develops into committed unity, each has proven their devotion to the other and should not use anonymity for expressing partnership compatability. As Butterfly suggests, partners should make effort to communicate throughout the year not just on one day.
Carol, as I said previously, you did a magic job of the list and if, as you say, it mostly goes over your head as well, then you've accomplished your task with even more aplomb. I'm putting my disinterest in Valentine's day down to age because I think it should stay in the realm of the young.
I used to wait eagerly for Valentine's Day to approach and enjoyed it as only the young and enthusiastic can but after many years, it starts to feel a bit silly. A bit like you'd feel, waiting up for Santa Claus to come down the chimney when you're in your eighties, I'd imagine.
Oh, and by the way Monkeynuts, I'm possibly not only getting old but a bit thick, too. I don't get the drift with the card your mum bought. What've I missed? Is there a double meaning? Or a spelling mistake?
It's very reassuring that the article still came over okay. I don't go in for great displays of romance, as that just isn't my hubby's thing.
But remember all cynics out there, there are still a lot of people to whom it's very important; the one day they can legitimately get away with being expressive, when normally they might be a little withdrawn and timid.
The problem is, as always, the commercialisation and the lack of imagination. There's a horrid stereotypical idea of what is 'romantic'. As a true romantic (in the old sense of the word, i.e. one who believes in nature, emotions, intangibles rather than progress, machinery and money), I resent the way that the word has come to mean red roses, champagne and dim lighting. Oh, and chocolate. I don't resent the chocolate so much...
Romantic but not sentimental:
A bunch of snowdrops rather than roses.
'The Corpse Bride' rather than [insert name of cod-romantic movie. I don't know any.]
Liquorice allsorts instead of chocolate [if he/she likes them, otherwise substitute favourite].
His favourite beer, e.g. a good real ale rather than 'bubbly'.
Just make it personal!
Cartoon of woman standing next to dirty plates saying "It's your tun to wash up". Man, grasping limb and saying "Aaarrghh, my leg"... with caption 'Taking a dive and rolling around faking an injury is occasionally acceptable'
Very, very funny - especially as he has torn the ligaments in his knee and been hobbling around on crutches and a stick for 6 weeks...
...hmmm...come to think of it...
But isn't it sweet, despite his injury he got the card out and obviously gave it extra time just to make sure it arrived on time.
Ain't love grand!