By Kathleen Guthrie Woods
I hate Valentine’s Day. It’s a made-up holiday fueled by jewelers, florists, candy makers, and advertisers who make us feel we need to overspend, and then make us feel like losers if what we receive doesn’t live up to our expectations. Rubbish! If someone loves me, I see it in his eyes, I feel it in his touch, I experience it in how he treats me every day.
However. Years and years ago, when I was very immature (i.e., I thought I had everything figured out and wasn’t shy about sharing my opinions), I announced my boycott of the holiday to the sweet man I was dating. The look on his face…he was crushed. I came to discover he had made plans for a lovely yet simple evening and had selected a couple of very thoughtful gifts. I felt like such a turd! Because when I thought about it, I knew how much I loved giving gifts to the people I loved, how much I enjoyed surprising them, delighting them, and making them feel special. Shame on me for taking that away from him.
Since then, I’ve learned to graciously accept the gifts I receive, whatever their origin, motivation, or price tag. My dad still sends me a card on this day, and I keep them among my treasures. I consider myself a rich woman indeed when I receive a sheet of construction paper decorated with abstract images in crayon (“That’s you and Jake on the playground,” my sister explains. Of course!). I might get a call from a far-flung friend and spend 10 precious minutes catching up with her. Looking at the bigger picture, every day I give thanks for the gifts of good health, a job that I love, and a roof over my head.
Today is a tough day for many people. It’s so easy to fall into self-pity, to catalogue what we lack instead of counting our blessings. So today I invite you to join me in acknowledging and accepting our gifts, whatever form they may take. Then, think about what you can give of yourself to make this day lovelier for someone else.
Kathleen Guthrie Woods is a Northern California–based freelance writer. Tonight she’ll be surprising the love of her life with his favorite treat, a home-baked cherry pie.
Self-pity was the reigning emotion of the day for me (although I had good reason – my newly ex-husband was on a special date with his not-so-new girlfriend); apparently the worse I feel the bigger the item I will buy for myself. A sideboard for my dinning room will be arriving on Friday. :
I’m a bit (ok, a lot) late in responding to your comment, Kelly, but I think about you often and wonder how you’re getting along. I’m sure this comment was meant to be funny, but knowing what I know about your past few years I can imagine you fabulous sideboard and your wonderful array of purses. Sending hugs your way, if that helps at all. :-s
I approached it a little different this year. I asked my guy if he wanted something for Valentine’s day. What a concept. I had never really asked before. I always just bought him something and then was upset with the lukewarm response. He replied, he did not want anything. He then asked if I wanted something. I had to think for a moment. My honest response was… “I’d like to say I don’t care but it seems I do care and yes I would like a gift and a nice dinner out on you sometime this month.” He agreed of course and on V-Day I received a nice gift that did not involve jean busting candy and a promise to take me to the new restaurant down the street I’d been hinting at.
I feel incredibly grown up.
P.S. I adore you Kathleen and am so happy to “read your insides” (as I like to call it).
You are such a grown-up. I love it when we keep learning and hand maybe even improving with age! 🙂