Valentine's Day is not for me, I do love my sweetie, but she gets it everyday anyway so when This romantic day comes around, my wife and I both take it pretty relaxed. The hustle and bustle of Valentine's day has turned into a day when over commercialization and expectations to spend large amounts of money have become common practice, and we do not partake in that activity.
Have you ever tried to go out for nice romantic supper on this day? Your fancy dinner usually turns into a train wreck because every other couple out there has the same idea as you, the restaurants are packed full of people, the kitchen staff is overworked and the meal you eventually receive comes out cold and not prepared as well as it should because it has been rushed.
Flower prices go through the roof, a single rose that used to cost 7.99 now costs 20.00 or more, emptying your wallet for something that is going to die within a week. You can buy a box of heart shaped chocolates that taste like sawdust and you might be lucky if you get more than eight in a box that also costs a lot more than you would normally spend.
Over the years my wife and I have started a sort of Valentine's Day tradition, we go to a restaurant where the food is mainly consistent no matter how busy it gets at any given time of the year, McDonald's, nothing but the best for my girl. Drive through or eat in and she can order whatever she wants. Later on in the evening, we enjoy some quality time in our hot tub, with a bottle of wine and some music.
Valentine's Day doesn't have to be all about spending money and extravagant gifts, bold gestures and high expectations. You should show your appreciation for your special someone, but I think it shouldn't be shared with complete strangers in a public setting, but instead shared in a private setting where you both focus on each others happiness.
Scott Goerz
