On Buying My Own Present for Valentine’s Day

“What did you just buy?” my daughter asks.

“It’s my Valentine’s Day gift from dad,” I answer.

“But why did you buy your own gift?”

“Well, I get so much love and attention from Dad on a such a frequent basis that he might forget that there is a special day coming up. He makes all the days special. So just to be on the safe side, it’s better if I procure a gift for him to give to me.”

To be honest, I really don’t feel the need for a present on Valentine’s Day. In reality, Valentine’s Day, romance and all, has gone by the wayside. Cards for classmates and something special for the kids is really what it’s all about now. Between work and baseball practice and multiplication tables and watching the Bachelorette, there is hardly time for romance. So how do we show each other that we love each other?

I was just reading about a popular book called The 5 Love Languages by Dr. Gary Chapman. He hypothesizes that each one of us has a primary "love language" that says, "Yes, I know you do love me." The five love languages are Words of Affirmation, Quality Time, Receiving Gifts, Acts of Service and Physical Touch.

His theory is that if the wife's primary love language is Quality Time, and the husband sends flowers while on a trip, there will be issues. Similarly, if the husband’s love language is Physical Touch and the wife gives him Words of Affirmation, trouble will follow.

This love quagmire seems to spell trouble in many ways, without even getting into differing opinions on the meaning of an "Act of Service."

I have no idea how to ascertain our love languages, but I am certain of this much: Valentine’s Day is not the day to figure it out. That said, a part of me thinks it would be fun to do something a little special Tuesday to celebrate our love. I love this list from Kristl Story with some great ideas on making Valentine’s Day special.

My favorite is the suggestion to have a glass of wine and look through your wedding album (or video!). Lots of smiles, plus we can even include the kids.  And for the love language conversation? Perhaps we'll learn more about what we might need while looking back at what we've got.