I’ve been sitting here doing research on the origin on Valentine’s Day. And then I went down a rabbit hole on wikipedia that took me to what Valentine’s Day looks like in other countries, and pictures of cards from the 1800’s.

And the legends of Valentine’s Day and folk traditions! Valentine’s Day is not always associated with romantic love (phew). In Norfolk, ‘Jack’ Valentine knocks on the door of the house and leaves sweets and presents for children.
It’s funny to me to write on Valentine’s Day from a single girl perspective.  Don’t get me started on my new title and how everyone just LOVES using it.  Oh, you’re a single mom? Sheesh.  Does anyone ask you if you are a married mom?
Austin Moms Blog | Single Moms During Valentine's
The truth is I LOVE Valentine’s Day. I always have. I love it from a romantic side and from a mother’s side and from a friendship side.
But, at the same time, I also *hate* that it’s so commercialized that there is an obligation to express romantic love on this particular day. Or an expectation to express romantic love.  I love fresh flowers — but I don’t JUST want them on Valentine’s Day. Do you? Oh, and Love notes! Yup. I like those, too. But I would like to see those every single day! A little post it note that says I love you, or I like your butt or you make me smile. I don’t need a four dollar card — but post it notes all over? Yes!!
 
The key is to make sure that your partner knows what you expect so you don’t wake up disappointed. As women we have these brains that are wired for disappointment — we want something, but don’t ask for it, and then we are sad (or mad) we don’t get it. Am I right?  I mean — I wish they could read our minds, too. Life would be soooo much easier.  So — you want some new jewelry? Roses? Chocolates? Fancy dinner date out? Breakfast in bed with a little something kinky? Be direct. Seriously. It doesn’t take the romance out! It creates smiles all around!
From a moms perspective on Valentine’s Day — I get to be with my children and make them heart shaped pancakes in the morning and surprise them with a scavenger hunt for their baskets of goodies (which I already purchased).  And then we will make homemade pizzas that night (heart shaped pepperoni, of course).  We did all of that last year and they had a blast.
From a single girl’s perspective on Valentine’s Day — after I put my kiddos down, I get to wear my sleep pants, skip the makeup and watch whatever I want on Netflix with a box of chocolates from my little loves.  Sounds pretty perfect to me.

3 COMMENTS

  1. Well Said, Katie, My wife always says the same thing, “you know what I like!’ and I want to say, “judging from the last three gift disappointments, apparently that’s not the case!” We guys need help! We don’t start out wanting to disappoint, we just “muddle” into it.

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