Valentine's Day...UGH

Valentine's Day is my least favorite holiday. It always has been. In high school, I had few boyfriends...and never it seemed at Valentine's Day. So I was clearly on the outs. Even in elementary school when Valentine's were exchanged with the whole class, I was often still the "new girl" and even if I received cards, I knew they were given out of obligation, not any true affection for me. Now, as a married woman of 24 years, you'd think my opinion of Valentine's Day may have changed. Nope. More often than not, Hubby and I are not in a period of high romance as Valentine's Day approaches. And I hate being told how to feel or act. If we're not operating at the 'newlywed bliss' level in our relationship...any and everything done for me is suspect. Does he really want me to have flowers or is he doing it out of fear of not doing it? (I rarely get flowers, BTW) And how genuine is my love for him, if his failure to 'produce' appropriate gifts causes strife? Look, I love my husband, more than I ever thought I could love another person. He is the single best person to ever come into my life and I am truly blessed to have him decide to marry me. (How's that for over-the-top sugary-sweet sentiment? It is true, though.) But come on, I better show him how much I love him more often than Christmas, his birthday and Valentine's Day. And I'd much rather have him do the dishes, make me coffee, or listen to me ramble at the end of the day than have him give me a diamond we can't afford. Fortunately, because Hubby is so incredibly wonderful, he feels the same. All pressure is off of us on Valentine's Day. We do exchange cards and usually some gift, but refuse to fall into the trap of feeling obligated to plan elaborate nights out, or pay twice the normal rate for a dozen roses. Trust me. Flowers sent on a day that is not "special" will gain more bang for the buck. A get-away planned for March will actually be more romantic than one planned for Valentine's Day. Love is not something to acknowledge periodically, it is something that is lived each day and demonstrated in the little every day stuff. While I have friends who say they agree with me philosophically, they seem to judge their spouses/significant others by how well they 'celebrate' this day. Forget Valentine's Day...just focus on the love.