With Valentine’s Day fewer than 24 hours away, what should a wife give her husband of 20 years? Absolutely nothing.
After all, Greg doesn’t give me anything either.
I’ve told readers before about Greg’s belief that Valentine’s Day is a conspiracy among florists, card and candy companies. He’s chosen not to buy into it. Before you decide I’ve married a very cold, unsentimental man, notice that he’s only missed one May Day in the 24 years I’ve known him.
During our undergrad days at the University of Kansas, Greg would surprise me with handmade May Day baskets in my mailbox. The only May Day he missed came when he didn’t realize I was losing him in the grocery story specifically so he could hit the floral section. He couldn’t figure out how to pick out my flowers and pay for them without me noticing. Guess he’s not as devious as I am.
I have never minded the lack of Valentine’s Day gifts, but now I’m worried that I’ve done a disservice for my sons — or at least their potential girlfriends. Alex, Luke and Aaron are well aware of our Larson traditions and know they won’t get Valentines from Mom, either. They’re OK with it. But with two of the boys in junior high — and one almost in high school — the time is surely coming when a girlfriend will give a Valentine and be hurt when she doesn’t receive one in return.
I realize it’s a dilemma that only a mom would worry about. Unfortunately, I can remember agonizing over a Christmas gift for a boyfriend with whom I’d broken up right before the holiday. I already had bought it but couldn’t decide whether to give it. Michael turned out to be the better person because he didn’t worry about appearances and gave me a gift anyway. My gift, then, looked like an afterthought.
On the other hand, I can see Greg’s point that the boys (or anyone) should not be forced into giving gifts just because society says they should.
Since when did Valentine’s Day turn into a lesson on peer pressure?