In all the 36 years that Butch and I have been a couple (as steadies for 7 years and as married couple) , not once have we celebrated Valentine’s Day outside the home. During the 7 years that we dated, he’d say “I don’t want to celebrate Valentine’s day but let’s go on a dinner date on the 16th”. So theoretically, we did celebrate Valentine’s day but not on the 14th of February. When we got married, I ‘d cook a simple dinner just to celebrate the romantic nature of the day. Then the kids came. Their teachers often required a Valentine card project for daddy or mommy which prompted me to celebrate Valentine’s Day at home. For the children, Valentine’s Day meant candy hearts, cutesy cards and excitement in the air. Now I didn’t want to be a killjoy. I’d decorate the house with heart shaped balloons, heart shaped cookies , red ribbons and other party fan fare. It was a family celebration of love.
I never really understood why my dear husband loathed Valentine’s day until last night…. He can’t be the Valentine’s Day equivalent of Dr. Scrooge. Butch is a very romantic person. He says the most sappy phrases ever and that’s probably the reason I fell in love with him. Now back to the reason for this Valentine’s Day aversion. I teased him, “Will you buy me flowers?”. He said “not on the 14th. Flowers are very expensive that day”. He reminded me, “Didn’t I just buy you carnations a week ago?”
I laughed. “So it’s an economic reason?”, I joked. He nodded. Ah now I recall, Butch was only 18 years old when we first became steadies. Naturally, he didn’t have the money to buy me the overpriced flowers or presents. All these years, I always thought that he wanted to be unique. Kuripot lang pala. (or is it being thrifty)
Tonight, as restaurants are filled to the brim with loving couples, I prepared an Italian-themed dinner. The non-celebration or not eating out on Valentine’s Day is our tradition carried through the years.
Enjoy the tea! And HAPPY HEARTS DAY to you and Butch! From hereon it can only get better 🙂
Si Butch, romantic? Hahahaha Paki sabi ipagkakalat ko sa UP Law alumni hehehe
So sweet! At least by giving you roses on the 16th instead of V-day itself, your husband is not only being unique, ‘nakakatipid pa’! 🙂
@Cathy- Thanks. We will surely enjoy the tea.
@Connie- Sige ha. Spread the love.
@Rhodora- He often tells me “Everyday is Valentine’s day anyway”. haha. Trying to make me feel good.
Hi Noemi, I just wanted to greet my online friends and fellow bloggers a warm and heartfelt Valentine’s Day Greeting…
I hope everyone you and your husband had a wonderful day filled with LOVE (I wish this for you on every other day as well)
@Nicholas- Let’s celebrate love everyday of the year.
Belated Valentine’s Day to you, Noemi. Am glad you and your family had a happy one:) Ang tagal mo naman ipakita ang gift sa iyo ng husby;)
your idea of a V’s gift is a good one. i guess, i am going to get one, too. so that hubby would get the message – high time to be a handyman. belated happy valentine’s day. it’s nice to know that the kids are home to be with you in the middle of the week.
Belated Valentine’s Day to you, Noemi. Am glad you and your family had a happy one