Valentine’s Day has always held a special place in my heart, even in these challenging times. After 14 years of marriage, my husband, Mark, reached out to me for the first time on this sentimental day. Unfortunately, I missed his call because I was enjoying a delightful dinner of steak, chocolate, and lemon cookies at my mother’s house with my two single sisters.
When I returned home that evening and listened to his voicemail, I was struck by how different his voice sounded. I had only met him once, but I fondly recalled our brief encounter and appreciated that he was thinking of me. It was late, but I decided to call him back.
We chatted for hours and quickly arranged to meet up with friends just a couple of days later. Although it wasn’t an official Valentine’s date, we had always celebrated it as our anniversary during our dating days. The thrill of that first date was magical, filled with unforgettable moments. Fast forward to now, 17 years later, and our marriage hangs by a thread, both of us wondering if there’s anything left to salvage.
Over the years, our Valentine’s Day celebrations have become less frequent and less meaningful. What used to be a day of thoughtful planning evolved into a simple dinner after putting the kids to bed, and eventually, it became an afterthought—neither of us taking the initiative to keep the romance alive. This year, we will be spending the day apart, but I refuse to let sadness overshadow it.
I won’t let the day of love become a source of grief for me. Valentine’s Day brings back memories of heart-shaped candy and the joy of creating handmade cards for my classmates. My fondest recollections come from childhood, when my mother made the day special with candlelit dinners and little gifts wrapped in vibrant red tissue paper, even during her own struggles with love.
This year, as I reflect on the day my husband first called me, I also remind myself that I have countless blessings in my life. I don’t feel the need to engage in pity or despair. Instead, I’m choosing to focus on joy. My kids and I will indulge in Chinese food, share little candy treats wrapped in red tissue, and I won’t hesitate to buy myself flowers and chocolate because self-love is just as important as romantic love.
I refuse to be sad on Valentine’s Day, even as my marriage faces its challenges. There’s too much love in the world to wallow in despair, especially self-love. This sentiment is vital for me this year more than ever. If you’re navigating similar feelings, you can find support and resources for your journey in articles like this one here. For those looking to explore at-home insemination options, Cryobaby offers reliable kits that can help. Additionally, you might want to check out this informative resource for pregnancy and home insemination guidance.
In summary, despite the turbulence in my marriage, I choose to embrace Valentine’s Day with positivity, creating beautiful moments with my children and celebrating love in all its forms.