Valentine’s Day Conundrum

Oh, the eternal Valentine’s Day conundrum! What to get Handsome Hubby for Valentine’s Day? After 39 years, what’s left on the “wants” list? On the “needs” list? Or on the “surprise” list?

Not framed pictures of the kids or pups. Not socks, sweats, or sneakers. And certainly not sexy boxers. Been there, boxed and bowed all that.

Another year of “just cards” proclaiming eternal love. An option, but honestly, that’s a cheat, albeit a tempting one.

Valentine’s Day Conundrum

So, what to do? What to get?

Me? Wrapped up in a bow? It’s a thought, but given how much weight I’ve put on this year (thanks to an underperforming thyroid and correspondingly overactive appetite), it would need to be a mighty big bow! No, that doesn’t sound very exciting. In fact, it sounds downright ludicrous.

On the theme of going big, I could splurge and purchase HH tickets to a Golden State Warriors basketball game. Still, between the ordeal of flying to San Francisco and the possibility of the team losing, given the uneven way they’re playing these days, the risk of the evening ending with HH in an “un-golden” state of mind is high. I don’t think it’s worth the romantic risk.

Valentine’s Day Gift Options

The Washington Post ran a feature headlined “Valentine’s Day gifts for every stage in your relationship.” I thought it might offer some helpfun, heartfelt suggestions, but the sub-headlines skewed young, not muddling middle-age!

“You’re almost official.”
“It’s love, even if you haven’t said it yet.”
“You’re moving in together.”
“You’re expecting your first baby.”
“You’ve been together for 20-something years and have already given each other everything.”
“You forgot about Valentine’s Day last year and want to make up for it.”
“You’ve been together long enough to finally take a dream vacation.”

That was it. That was where the list of suggestions ended … at roughly the 20-year mark.  Clearly, the article’s author thought romance stopped/died/divorced at about two decades! Yikes!

The Best V-Day Gift Giver

Now, I can attest to the fact that Valentine’s Day is a lifetime holiday because my parents were together for 50+ years, and when it comes to V-Day romantics, my father was the leader of the pack.

The man absolutely owned the holiday. Further, he was an absolute traditionalist. Flowers, Candy, Jewelry. And poetry. Yes, the man wrote poetry. My parents’ anniversary was three days later, but it was V-Day he went all out for. Each year, in the proverbial sickness and health, good times and bad, his celebration of Valentine’s Day was a wonder.

More Options

None of this helps me, alas!

I could plan a trip, but HH is our travel planning maven. I’m a klutz by comparison. On our last trip to NYC — my hometown, mind you, I scheduled one measly little tour of Greenwich Village. It was a flop. Too few historical insights; too many insipid, yuck-yuck jokes. Afterward, HH gently reminded me about the tour group he always uses when booking tours and suggested I contact them “next time” … as if there will ever be a next time!

I could cook a yummy dinner, play pool with him, and then watch a Warriors game at home. But truth be told, I’m not a good cook and I can’t bake for beans. And then, there’s still the dilemma: how will the Warriors do? Because if Number 30, Steph Curry, doesn’t score, will I? It’s all a lot of pressure for Steph and me.

Decision Time

So, while I don’t write poetry, can’t cook, and I’m not a very good pool player, I can write. Therefore, I hope this very public declaration of love will suffice …

Dear HH,
Happy Valentine’s Day.
After 39 years, I’m still crazy in love with you,
Kisses,
You know who