I have never really liked Valentines Day. It all started in elementary school. I was so shy and being forced to give boys valentines was pure torture for me. I was always afraid that they would think that I liked them. Oddly enough, the more I liked them, the more I dreaded giving them a valentine. I didn't want them to know. As I got older, it just seemed like an awkward day when two people were forced to behave more romantically then they actually felt, all because flowers and chocolates and heart-shaped cards were expected. It's a weird situation to be in when you are in a new relationship or a relationship that hasn't really been defined as anything celebratory. Even more of a bummer when you aren't dating anyone.
But as I've matured, I've met people who have a completely different take on the day. Friends would give me cards or bake heart-shaped cookies, just to say that they care. I came to realize that Valentines Day isn't just for couples, but for anyone to express how much they love and appreciate the people in their lives. That made me respect it a little more. Then, I got this boyfriend named Andrew my freshman year of college. I told him I didn't want to celebrate valentines day. He retaliated to my "bah, humbug" attitude by putting a nicely wrapped package outside my door. I woke up, opened the door, unwrapped the package (secretly happy that he ignored my request) and found a pickled bottle of pigs feet. I guess it served me right. But he ended the day by giving me flowers and cooking me dinner.
We've had some interesting valentines days since then (even when we weren't dating). This year, he truly outdid himself and made ravioli from scratch. It took him all day long. In the end it was sausage and vegetable stuffed ravioli in a butter sage sauce. mmmmmmmm. Thanks love muffin! (Andrew read this and begged me to delete the "love muffin" remark. Sorry sugar lips, although your objection has been noted).
