VALENTINE'S: Love it? Hate it? Celebrate it!

[thedivahrrrself]

Valentine's Day - do you love it or hate it?

Do you do anything to mark the occasion?

Are you doing something special this year?

Share your best/worst Valentine's stories here!

http://blog.tinyprints.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/Candy-Hearts.jpg

[KCBUTCH]

despite barely 2 months single, and heartbroken-
LOVE is by far the greatest gift on EARTH
I LOVE TO LOVE-it goes beyond form, function, gender, orientation, color, culture and circumstance
SO LOVE IT....

[thedivahrrrself]

I never was a big fan of Valentine's Day, but these days, I'm a huge fan of any excuse to make cookies! I will mark almost any occasion that allows me to bake.

Last year, I made gifts for a few of my single friends with some made from scratch sweetheart cookies and chocolate dipped strawberries, along with a note reminding them they were loved. Honestly, it was probably one of the best Valentine's Days I've had. I didn't get any cards or gifts myself, but I had a blast making, packaging, and delivering the goodies!

[dixie]

Gahhh.....I am not really a fan of celebrating it romantically. That is wayyyyyy too cliché and cheesy for my asshole-ish nature.

Normally, my fellow sarcastic smart-ass local friends and I get together and go out...all the while, my one bestest friend loudly proclaims a "Happy VD Day" to everyone she sees.

It may have a little something to do with each of us being a particular shade of jaded. :wine::bunchflowers:


ETA: As I just told a friend, love is wonderful and I too love to love. BUT....I am not a fan of commercialized love.

[Kitten.With.A.Twist]

I think it's an odd holiday - I celebrate it by giving my children gifts. This year a ring for my daughter and a box of Omaha Steaks for my son who is at college... untraditional, but you can never say "I love you" too often. I've always enjoyed celebrating with the babies more than with my partner(s).

[KCBUTCH]

Gahhh.....I am not really a fan of celebrating it romantically. That is wayyyyyy too cliché and cheesy for my asshole-ish nature.

Normally, my fellow sarcastic smart-ass local friends and I get together and go out...all the while, my one bestest friend loudly proclaims a "Happy VD Day" to everyone she sees.

It may have a little something to do with each of us being a particular shade of jaded. :wine::bunchflowers:


ETA: As I just told a friend, love is wonderful and I too love to love. BUT....I am not a fan of commercialized love.


Agreed I dont like the hype - or the BS buy this do that
Dont dictate my expression !!!!!!!!!
the way its portrayed is way to commercial
I'll probably go see my folks- if my brother wont be there-
its his birthday and he gets all bent to have to share it due to the holiday

[kannon]

Most of these holidays were commercialized for profit. I like to surprise my loved one with random acts of love and appreciation.

[dixie]

Most of these holidays were commercialized for profit. I like to surprise my loved one with random acts of love and appreciation.

Don't forget...we're supposed to get married in 5 years if we're both still single. We can do it on Valentine's day!! Then you can show me love and appreciation the day after....very randomly. I'll even close my eyes.

(Actually I think our 5 years has already came and went lol)

[kannon]

We are past due. I had to wait on you to get rid of the last one.

[dixie]

We are past due. I had to wait on you to get rid of the last one.

I'll start packing for the honeymoon......

[kannon]

I can only imagine what you're packing. How much hello kitty stuff do you have?

[dixie]

I can only imagine what you're packing. How much hello kitty stuff do you have?

I think that's a question better answered after the ceremony....just saying.

[Soft*Silver]

the older I get, the less likely I am to get excited about holidays based on consumerism. Valentines Day is about expensive dinners, chocolates, jewelry, roses and stuffies and cards.


chrissy shows me everyday how much he loves me. as I do for him too. Our actions speak volumes

[Rockinonahigh]

Valentines day is just another day of the week that is way to commershalised , I gess if there was someone I had in my life it would be diffrent but it is what it is.If you injoy the day go for it,it should be a happy day.

[sierragirrl]

meh its just another day to me just like my birthday Christmas Thanksgiving.i would rather have my elec bill paid then have flowers and candy
unless its tix to see Garth then i would be happy happy happy :)

[firegal]

I believe in celebration for any reason. Life is too short and the commercialism doesnt play into my celebration or the smiles on my loved ones faces.

Its another day and i will gladly...cook a nice dinner for someone and put a card in their handbag and notes in their coat pocket.

ANY reason to make a day a lil special.....IM ALWAYS GAME!

SO... what i,m trying to say is i like holidays.... like valentines day too!

[Katniss]

http://i.picresize.com/images/2013/01/31/z3xso.jpg

[willow]

I do love Valentine's day but then I love any holiday. People make more effort to share time together during a holiday or traditional celebration and that coming together is what is the best part of it for me. You don't have to spend much money or any money at all. A quick phone call to someone you love is enough. If money is tight (we've all been there) bake some sweets or cut hearts from magazines and stick them on the back of a cereal box. Holidays are not about who gives the most impressive gifts. If you believe that then you're not doing it right! If there isn't that special someone in your life (or even if there is) take some heart sweets into work for everyone to share...

It's the little things that make the biggest impression on me. (f)

[Beloved]

I like Valentine's Day even if I don't have someone to celebrate it with. When I am alone it's just another day but I do something for my daughter. My birthday is 2 days later.

[The_Lady_Snow]

I LOVE Single Awareness Day!!!! We'd go to Union and have pretty martinis and steak!!

Valentine's Day is not something I do or care for I like February 10th MUCH BETTER!

[Novelafemme]

After Thanksgiving, Valentine's Day is my favorite holiday. I give the people I care about a special little something, usually baked goods and cards. This year I made everyone something to remind them they are always loved and cared for. :) (w)

[JAGG]

I like Valentines day if I have someone special in my life. Otherwise I don't pay attention to it. I love when my neices make me home made cards. The worst Valentines would probably be ,to be purposely being forgotten.

[cinnamongrrl]

I love it now that I'm with someone who makes it a celebration!

[Teddybear]

I love it now that I'm with someone who makes it a celebration!

And the celebration has just begun

[nycfem]

One of my best Valentine's day evenings was when I was single. I was swimming laps at a gym, and felt so peaceful, alone with the other swimmers. It felt romantic and memorable.

[Tommi]

Love it...Celebrate it !

Heart shaped sugar cookies and cold milk !

Red Construction paper hearts and lacey paper with white glue !

Box of BE MINE heart candies in my pocket to share. Take one. What's it say? . (f)

[justanolecowboy]

Ahhh- Valentine's Day.

Such mixed emotions people have about the day.

I love the "spirit" of the day - what it represents - what I don't like is that the commercialism of the day - makes people who don't have a "significant" other - feel less than what they should - which is not the case at all - that being said..I'm an old school romantic - but if you only show your love to the one you love on "valentine's day" - something is very wrong...

If you (really) love someone - even if times are rough between you...everyone has rough times - but - if you (really) love someone - then everyday - should be a celebration of that love - in (some) way...if we all practiced that "everyday" celebration of that love - we wouldn't "need" a special day for it...

All that being said - I love to spoil the one I love - in every way I can - and in some small way every day - even if it is simply to tell her she is amazing - and she knows I mean it by the way I look at her - that I'm not just (speaking words)...

Women love flowers and chocolates (most anyway) - and cards and special dinners and candlelight and romance and dancing...so why would you save all those things she loves to just "give" her on one day of the year...to give those to her ALL year - is love ... and more than that...
it's your time - attention - remembering to take out the garbage - cooking dinner (even) if you can't cook - drawing her bath - making a cup of her favorite tea (actually knowing what her favorite cup of tea is) - going on a long drive - and making out in the car - the unexpected stop at the roadside diner for sloppy bbq and a night under the stars...its the everyday - effort of at least "trying to rope the moon for her" ... its simply loving her - (and) showing her every day - that she is the single most cherished woman in the world (by you). It is honoring her in your every word and action - not about how much you spend for flowers.

Just my two cents worth...

[Bèsame*]

Best gift, today, yesterday and all days, time and effort= attention. No matter how small or huge, it's the effort that touches me

:sparklyheart::sparklyheart::sparklyheart:

[JAGG]

I like Valentines day if I have someone special in my life. Otherwise I don't pay attention to it. I love when my neices make me home made cards. The worst Valentines would probably be ,to be purposely being forgotten.

Sorry I lost service and could not finish. The worst is being purposely forgotten. The best would be if your gf cooked a great dinner with wine etc and gave you a wonderful handwritten letter with her perfume on it, telling you all the ways she loves you and why. Then off to the bedroom to make sweet love.

[thedivahrrrself]

I have a heart-shaped cookie cutter this year. Watch out, single friends! :) I'm thinking a repeat of last year will be a fun project.

[starryeyes]

Valentines is weird in our house. Justin doesn't like to celebrate it because it's the day she buried her mother, so it holds bad memories. And, she says "there shouldn't be one day to celebrate the one you love, you should do it everyday"

I'm kinda a sucker for Valentines day myself. I have always like to celebrate it. Maybe we can meet in the middle.

[-Red-Flag-]

Hate it ...

I'll be digging up my anti valentines poem shortly.

[Katniss]

...going on a long drive - and making out in the car - the unexpected stop at the roadside diner for sloppy bbq and a night under the stars...

^5 on the sloppy BBQ (pork, vinegar based sauce) and stars.


Sadly I am the type that will spend $60.00 on ingredients to make a cake that could have been bought for a third the cost at a bakery and looked a lot more attractive to boot. I imagine this is a bit off putting to any potential paramour. :blink:

I began a tradition with my 10 year old years ago that starting the evening of Jan. 31st I tape a handmade paper heart to her bedroom door. In the middle of it is written a reason why I love/admire her. By Feb. 14th her door is covered with hearts reminding her of all her special gifts and what she has to offer the world.


Katniss~~(roses are sweet but the gift of a carniverous plant would really rock my world)

[SuddenlyWestFemme]

I began a tradition with my 10 year old years ago that starting the evening of Jan. 31st I tape a handmade paper heart to her bedroom door. In the middle of it is written a reason why I love/admire her. By Feb. 14th her door is covered with hearts reminding her of all her special gifts and what she has to offer the world.
Katniss~~(roses are sweet but the gift of a carniverous plant would really rock my world)

Wow! Thank you for giving me a new tradition. I am going to start today with my 10 year old and 15 year old! (how did they get so old so fast?!?) I'm trying to reclaim Valentines Day and this is such a great start.

[PinkieLee]

Like lots of other folks here, the consumer spending hype has kinda ruined it for me over the years. Dinners out are too expensive & the wait time is horrible... I would rather cook up a meal together & share a bottle of wine. I'm not a fan of the heart shaped chocolate box... I would rather share a couple chocolate dipped strawberries. As for flowers, roses are nice but WAY OVERPRICED during that time... I would rather receive some flowers to plant in my garden or a colorful hanging basket.

This year, honestly we haven't made any plans. It falls on a Thursday night this year, which means I'll be working the 2nd job. How is that for romance ;)

As for my best time... it would have to be when Just_G, Mel & I spent Single's Awareness Day together about 5 years ago. We met up in Kansas City, where we ate dinner at Hooters (which offered a free buffet for single folks), then we made our way to a strip club where we were pretty much the only patrons (SCORE) and we topped off the night at home laughing until the tears poured down our faces. Honestly, it's one of my life's top 10 memories!

[Parker]

Sorry I lost service and could not finish. The worst is being purposely forgotten. The best would be if your gf cooked a great dinner with wine etc and gave you a wonderful handwritten letter with her perfume on it, telling you all the ways she loves you and why. Then off to the bedroom to make sweet love.

I like this ... sometimes it's the simplest things that mean the most - especially when prepared by hand with you on their mind.

[clay]

I love this holiday! Though single, I still have people in my life who are significant....ALL year long...whom I express that love to in many ways.
I am of that same school of thought of ALL the holidays have become so commercialized now.
EASTER things are now being out out....:|

So, some ways I have shown my loved ones how special they are always are:

My S.O. would/did receive these:

Wash/wax/detail their vehicle

Make a special Book of Love coupons for my S.O....(massage, home cooked meal, quality time with movie/pizza)

Booked weekend Getaways for the two of us (when partnered) to places I knew she would love to go.

Cooked dinner of her fave things.

Made my S.O. handmade cards....

Stocked fridge with her fave Dark Beers, bought her a carton of her fave little Swisher Sweet Cigarettes

Made a picnic of finger foods, took that, a blankie, and a cooler of fave drinks and went out to the beach..enjoyed a moonlight picnic...as we lay on blanket and cuddled beneath a velvety canopy of stars and full moon...and stolen kisses...

Friends/Loved Ones:

Cooked their fave meal

Made Decorative cupcakes

Sent "just because" notes, cards, or messages

Did their laundry for a day

Gave respite care when they were caring for family members

Donated blood in someone's name

Given hugs...unsolicited

Offered listening ear....sometimes my silence amongst their voice is powerful..

Took their vehicle and filled it with gas when I knew their times were leaner than mine...

So much more....just wanted to give an idea...to share with this thread...

Anyway, it is all about how we treat each other all the time..not specifically a holiday, in my world.

Having friendships, love, and kindness is essential. I believe I get back what I put out there....I know this. I have been so richly blessed in life....I am truly appreciative of all things.....:cigar2:

[Soon]

^5 on the sloppy BBQ (pork, vinegar based sauce) and stars.


Sadly I am the type that will spend $60.00 on ingredients to make a cake that could have been bought for a third the cost at a bakery and looked a lot more attractive to boot. I imagine this is a bit off putting to any potential paramour. :blink:

I began a tradition with my 10 year old years ago that starting the evening of Jan. 31st I tape a handmade paper heart to her bedroom door. In the middle of it is written a reason why I love/admire her. By Feb. 14th her door is covered with hearts reminding her of all her special gifts and what she has to offer the world.


Katniss~~(roses are sweet but the gift of a carniverous plant would really rock my world)

This is beyond wonderful, and you are a fabulous mom to think of such a great idea!

(*runs to therapist to whine about how i wasn't given such love!) ;)

[Chancie]

Pete and I are driving to the beach and

We are eating lunch at a diner near the beach.

It was one of our first dates, and

We took a cheesy cell phone picture at the diner.

:wemightfreeze:

[G Snap!]

If my "sweetheart" wants to do something special, like go to dinner, sure, I'm in. But I have never held my partner to any expectations or been disappointed if there are no roses, chocolates, teddybears, or anything red given on or around the 14th. Nor have I gone out of my way to do the same. I would, however, appreciate a red Coach handbag or red boots if they showed up for valentine's day. Just saying. I have received red birkenstocks once in the past...

I have seen a friend get all worked up over the whole thing, only to get extremely p'd off if their partner delivered anything less than extreme valentine romance to the nth degree (dinner to a 75$ a plate restaurant, concert tickets, and a gift, and the gift had better be nothing less than 14 carat gold, wrapped with hearts and include a card.)

[alexri]

I embrace the concept of the day and reject the mass-marketed, commercialized aspects of it.

I reject the hell of having to make dinner reservations a month in advance and still wait an hour anyway for an overpriced meal, while presenting a dozen roses that cost four times what they should.

If I am going to do anything, I'd rather create my own tradition, and do something awesome as a couple, like volunteer, or make our own cards, or attempt to cook our own food (maybe I'd make you sign a waiver first), or call in sick together and stay in bed all day.

Hate: overpriced, overcrowded restaurants. Way too expensive flowers, decorative chocolates, etc.

Hate: over-commercialized holidays. Zealous marketing and advertising has made many lose sight of what certain holidays are really for.

Hate: when people forget there are 364 other days (give or take the leap year) to show someone how much you love him/her.

Like: Valentine's Day candy when it's 50% off the next day. I'll like you more if you wanted to get me chocolate and got it on an awesome sale.

Like: efforts to show love and affection that come from the heart, not because a date on the calendar told you that you should.

[Sachita]

I have candy and prezzies for my granddaughter, her sister and mama. I'm taking them out to dinner. Still waiting for my valentine. :(

[TimilDeeps]

The last time I purchased anything for Valentine's day was when I bought my mom some roses. I'm still uncertain as to why I did . . . I was on my way home from work and instead of driving past the florist, I stopped. She loved roses, yellow being her favorite.

She died last November. A yellow rose travels with me, in my car . . .

Valentine's Day is special, however, it shouldn't be more special than any other day.

[Strappie]

Do you mean SINGLE AWARENESS Day??

[Gemme]

Someone just gave me a V Day poem. It was something about roses and shamrocks and my ass.

Best pressie EVER.

:awww:

[laruss]

I love it, but not the commercialized hype.

I hate going out for dinner as the restaurants are full and irritating.

I love the sharing of love with everyone and the pink and purple hearts.

I like to do different things.

I almost always send out valentines, this year almost 100 got mailed. I didn't make them this year but often have in the past.

This year we are doing fondue at home.

My girl likes getting things in the mail so for the next 2 weeks I am mailing something every day or two. Just little things, cards, candy and small gifts.

[thedivahrrrself]

OK for those of you who like celebrating love, but hate the commercial hype, what do you do to celebrate? What is your perfect anti-Valentine Valentine's date?

I think one of the most romantic things in the world is sitting together and watching the stars. In the city, that's not always easy to do, though. So, I think the planetarium would be awesome, and probably empty, which is a plus, because talking while you're watching the stars is always the best part :)

[blush]

Love it.
There's a lovely picture book that almost no one has heard of called "The Mightest Heart." I usually yank it out this time of year to remind myself about unconditional love.

[chai~]

It has all been said before....the commercialism of the event is crazy.

I am the type of person who gives flowers just because...treats dinner, just because, send a card.....just because...little love notes tucked in pockets, wallets, etc.

I don't need an official day to show love and appreciation.

It would be just another lovely day in my world~

[choochoo-enginerd]

What Chai says truly resonates with me. I do not need a holiday to express what I feel for the remainder of the year. Everymonday that I am home, she gets hand delivered flowers to her office, so for the remainder of the week, she sees them every day. Never bypass an opportunity to express what you feel, especially love.

[little_ms_sunshyne]

I am not sure how I feel about el dia de San Valentin....


I have never really had a Valentine...or I take that back, when I did they were never really into it or I did the planning (so I felt valentine-less), so I am not sure what it feels like to go along with all the hype.

I am a huge fan of showing people you love them on any day and a cheeseball x 2 million!!!! So I am pretty sure that I would be tickled by any gesture on Valentine's.

For now, I will go on pretending that it doesn't exist and that I can't stand it. But you know the truth...SHHHHHHHHHHHHH :) lol

[blush]

I don't mind the hype. If the US dedicates a bit of time to love, I don't think that's a bad idea. There's enough examples of hatred, cynicism, and ugliness. I've been with people who don't appreciate Valentine's, and I've heard lip service about appreciating love everyday and blah, blah, but that never seemed to happen in practice. What I know is that Goof shows me everyday how much he loves me. And a bit more on Valentine's.

[Sun]

Any day that celebrates love is a good day in my world. I would like for it to be Valentines Day every day.

Anything that brings more positive love energy into the world is awesome.

[Teddybear]

Ahhh- Valentine's Day.

Such mixed emotions people have about the day.

I love the "spirit" of the day - what it represents - what I don't like is that the commercialism of the day - makes people who don't have a "significant" other - feel less than what they should - which is not the case at all - that being said..I'm an old school romantic - but if you only show your love to the one you love on "valentine's day" - something is very wrong...

If you (really) love someone - even if times are rough between you...everyone has rough times - but - if you (really) love someone - then everyday - should be a celebration of that love - in (some) way...if we all practiced that "everyday" celebration of that love - we wouldn't "need" a special day for it...

All that being said - I love to spoil the one I love - in every way I can - and in some small way every day - even if it is simply to tell her she is amazing - and she knows I mean it by the way I look at her - that I'm not just (speaking words)...

Women love flowers and chocolates (most anyway) - and cards and special dinners and candlelight and romance and dancing...so why would you save all those things she loves to just "give" her on one day of the year...to give those to her ALL year - is love ... and more than that...
it's your time - attention - remembering to take out the garbage - cooking dinner (even) if you can't cook - drawing her bath - making a cup of her favorite tea (actually knowing what her favorite cup of tea is) - going on a long drive - and making out in the car - the unexpected stop at the roadside diner for sloppy bbq and a night under the stars...its the everyday - effort of at least "trying to rope the moon for her" ... its simply loving her - (and) showing her every day - that she is the single most cherished woman in the world (by you). It is honoring her in your every word and action - not about how much you spend for flowers.

Just my two cents worth...

I agree. I want the beautiful and lovely Ms Cinn to know that I cherish every day we have together and that I love her more now then I did when I went to bed last nite.

I love showing her and doing things for her and me together. Every moment with her is a 1000 times better then any moment prior to her.

I listen when she talks even if she thinks I'm not or that I think its crazy. When she say something in passing or what she thinks is passing I remember and when the time comes whatever she has mentioned if I'm able it will fund its way to her.

I have things tucked away for the perfect moment to give her. I'm just hoping she never finds them till I want her to have them.

[cinnamongrrl]

I agree. I want the beautiful and lovely Ms Cinn to know that I cherish every day we have together and that I love her more now then I did when I went to bed last nite.

I love showing her and doing things for her and me together. Every moment with her is a 1000 times better then any moment prior to her.

I listen when she talks even if she thinks I'm not or that I think its crazy. When she say something in passing or what she thinks is passing I remember and when the time comes whatever she has mentioned if I'm able it will fund its way to her.

I have things tucked away for the perfect moment to give her. I'm just hoping she never finds them till I want her to have them.


You need to remember I'm going to be packing the house up! Now I know I should look...even if I don't know where...persay ;)

[Teddybear]

You need to remember I'm going to be packing the house up! Now I know I should look...even if I don't know where...persay ;)


Oh u THINK I left it in the house. Good luck

[thedivahrrrself]

I am not sure how I feel about el dia de San Valentin....


I have never really had a Valentine...or I take that back, when I did they were never really into it or I did the planning (so I felt valentine-less), so I am not sure what it feels like to go along with all the hype.

I am a huge fan of showing people you love them on any day and a cheeseball x 2 million!!!! So I am pretty sure that I would be tickled by any gesture on Valentine's.

For now, I will go on pretending that it doesn't exist and that I can't stand it. But you know the truth...SHHHHHHHHHHHHH :) lol

I find this is how many people really feel!

[thedivahrrrself]

I don't mind the hype. If the US dedicates a bit of time to love, I don't think that's a bad idea. There's enough examples of hatred, cynicism, and ugliness. I've been with people who don't appreciate Valentine's, and I've heard lip service about appreciating love everyday and blah, blah, but that never seemed to happen in practice. What I know is that Goof shows me everyday how much he loves me. And a bit more on Valentine's.



Awww, I love this!

[thedivahrrrself]

I'm SO glad I started my Valentines shopping 3 weeks ahead. As it turned out, I needed every bit of that time.

Valentines? I got this. :hk1:

[homoe]

BUMP........

[Stone-Butch]

I love it when I am with someone. I like to do the chocolates and roses and such, a nice dinner a day before or after. At home on the day, nice music, delivered food (her choice) and a nice sip of wine for her and a little quiet dance after dinner.

This year again, something eatable and something huggable for the little one.

[homoe]

I love it when I am with someone. I like to do the chocolates and roses and such, a nice dinner a day before or after. At home on the day, nice music, delivered food (her choice) and a nice sip of wine for her and a little quiet dance after dinner.

This year again, something eatable and something huggable for the little one.

Sounds like a perfect way to spend the day....