It's Not Always Easy

Today is Valentine's Day. Across the globe, people are pitching woo at each other in the shape of flowers, candy or silky unmentionables. That's not really the case in our house. As you may have gleaned from your readings here, I'm not a very romantic guy. I'm not one of the bitter dolts who shout "Valentine's Day is just a Hallmark holiday. Fight the power of corporate greed and forget this trumped up affair. Besides, love stinks." I'm not one of those guys because they're dumb. There, I said it. While I don't think you should wait for one cold day in February to tell your sweety how you feel, what's the harm other than a gargantuan caloric intake of chocolate?

WARNING!!!! The following may get mushy. I'm not sure what's happening to me, I'm feeling emotional and a little bloated. "Daughter" asks all the time if "Wife" and I were in love when we first saw each other. Then she asks if we're in love now. I always laugh and say something stupid since that's my usual M.O. When some of us think of love, we picture princesses or sultry heroines being swept up by muscle bound Fabio types on the cover of romance novels. We rarely think of the day to day love. The love that has to endure tough times, tragedy and yes, sometimes even meanness. It's the type of love that takes work. It's not as much fun as the first bloom of love, or the rush that people get when they first meet. it's the comfortable kind of love that lasts forever. That's the kind of love we have. Sometimes in love, like in poker, you just gotta stick.

I'm a fairly difficult person to live with, but for whatever reason, "Wife" puts up with me. I'm glad she does. You may be asking, well, Captain Romance, how do you show your gratitude to the woman who tolerates and believes in you? You must have bought the GNP of Hershey Pa. just to show your devotion." No chance bub. Here's a tip for all you young lovers out there. Pay attention to your partner. I always make mental notes of things "Wife" says she likes and then I try to surprise her with one of those things. How's that for romantic?
I'm off. I'm cooking a special dinner for my two special ladies and then maybe I'll get a little Valentine's Day payback. That's not why I do it, but you won't hear me complain. Happy Valentine's Day! Later...Brian