What is your idea of a truly romantic evening?
This is what I was asked in a Facebook group this week. My first response was something like the string of curse words from Ralphie’s father in A Christmas Story. The second was the dreaded realization that it is Valentine’s Day and my dating this year has consisted of a lobbyist, a doofus, a pecan grove and a date with myself.
I tweeted “f-ing Valentine’s Day” last week and received a dinner invitation.
Truth be told, I have never really had a memorable Valentine’s Day, at least not romantically memorable. There were cramped chain restaurants and boxes of crappy candy. My friend Allison gave me a big bag of Doritos on one historically lonely Valentine’s Day. She said it was because she loved me and because she knew I loved Doritos.
That could be the sweetest thing anyone has ever told me on Valentine’s Day.
Part of the Valentine’s Day ‘fail’ is probably my own fault. I have an aversion to fresh flowers. My mother, near the end of her life, said she didn’t like them because she could only sit and watch the flowers die.
I don’t know if I should just get over it and expect flowers or find a mate who understands me and my flower aversion. Probably a little bit of both.
Receiving roses on Valentine’s Day is pretty darn sweet.
I am of an age when I expect things and make things happen. I am not much for waiting.
I expect that Valentine’s Day this year is not going to suck.
The dinner invitation I received on Twitter? It was from my friend who is having a dinner for single ladies. They are serving Italian food – my favorite. I get to meet new people while spending time with my very busy friend. That is not going to suck.
My response to the question of a truly romantic evening — Dressing up, going out to a fancy dinner and being treated like I am the prettiest and best dressed lady in the room.
I bought a little black dress this weekend and it looks kickass on me. Valentine’s Day will not suck.
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First of all, a lobbyist is not necessarily bad, says your SAHM friend in Northern Virginia married to a, yes, corporate lobbyist. Second, I stood up and applauded (in my head) with your comment about “Receiving roses on Valentine’s Day is pretty darn sweet. I am of an age when I expect things and make things happen.” Many years (ahem, decades) ago, I was far too practical and pragmatic, and shunned most things Romantic as a waste of money and a ridiculous nod to stupid consumerism. Now, well, the things I shunned are now things I would actually sort of like. Oh, I’ll admit it. I want Romance — but more often than not, I am responsible for making it happen. And in the end it doesn’t matter one speck whether the Romance is created by me or not — as long as it happens, I’m happy. And I like that your definition of Romance includes Doritos.
I agree all lobbyists are not bad. The one I dated took me on some great dates but he had the personality of a doorknob. LOL. Longterm he would have bored me to death. He was a little obsessed with his city too. It’s a great city, don’t get me wrong, but you have to expand beyond borders to get a taste for life — and the other cities in your state.
LOL on the “decades ago” – I had a roommate who was (and probably still is) about not entertaining consumerism. I understand being practical and fiscally responsible but it’s VALENTIME’S DAY. A little romance wouldn’t hurt anyone.
I follow @GoddessNextDoor on Twitter and she has some great advise about women NOT being the ‘lead’ in dating and romance. While the independent woman in me wants to make things (romantically/dating-wise) happen, I take the Goddess’ advice. So far so good.
Here’s to a few Doritos on V-Day!
I love the dress and agree with your sentiments on the V-Day. The first time I was in a committed relationship on the day, I decided I wanted all the romance and blah blah blah. I wore a cute dress, we walked around a park, ate food, and the whole time I was nauseated by the whole banality of the holiday. Even my happily in love self couldn’t stomach Valentine’s Day.
Now it is our yearly tradition to sit around in sweat pants, eat macaroni and cheese, and drink cheap champagne.
I hope your Italian dinner turns out to be a fantastic time and slightly more yummy than a bag of Doritos.
I used to have expectations of Valentines because the world defined it as being chocolate, cards, flowers, romantic dinners, blah, blah, blah. Then I grew up. My husband and I agreed many years ago to scrap the whole valentine premise and created our own valentine definition. We say I Love You at every opportunity (several times a day). We hug each other often. We cuddle often. We talk and laugh about everything and nothing. We do simple things like walking, watching tv, playing scrabble, doing nice things that make each other happy and we are in the moment. When Valentines, birthdays, anniversarys arrive, we continue to do what we do because everyday is special already. Special dinners may fall a week before, on the day or after. No pressure. No disappointment. Because we know what we know and at the end of the day, isn’t that what’s it all about? So go ahead wear that gorgeous dress and enjoy your Doritos, Italian food (delish) and friendships…when the doritos and dinner are finished, it’s the time you spend together that will be cherished. ‘nuf said
You’re more awesome with every post, Angela! So wise and thank you for reminding me/us that V-day is everyday when you surround yourself with the right people.