Valentine Vision

Valentine’s Day is a day to appreciate the love in your life. Romantic or platonic, love is “what makes the world go round.” As a child, I recall exchanging valentines with classmates, followed by a small celebration. As a teenager, I remember one evening my dad and I were the only ones home (a rarity in a household of eight), and he proposed we go out to dinner. We chose a local Italian restaurant, but were told they were booked for the evening. My dad and I were shocked because we’d been there several times in the past and never experienced a wait for a table, let alone an entire evening full of reservations. We laughed as we realized that it was, in fact, Valentine’s Day. Needless to say, I was not concerned with Valentine’s Day at that age.

During my 20s, the romantic significance of Valentine’s Day took hold. If I weren’t dating anyone at the time, I would get together with a group of single girlfriends. For some reason, no one wanted to be alone on Valentine’s night! Extreme measures were taken to ensure a date, such as postponing a breakup until after Valentine’s (guilty)!

Gift giving is customary, and I’ve received and given alike. My most memorable gifts were purple roses from a neighbor. I knew red roses signified love, yellow roses, friendship; but I wasn’t sure about the meaning behind purple roses. I also remember one of my boyfriends giving me a workout outfit; appreciated, yes, but on a romantic date such as Valentine’s Day, not so much!

What unique or surprising Valentine’s gifts have you given or received?

Do you have any memories of a particularly exciting Valentine’s Days?