The Keys to My Heart

Valentine's is right around the corner. If you've known me for any period of time you'll know that I am not a fan. I feel that it's an overly commercialized holiday that brings nothing but anxiety and/or disappointment. Also, I've seen women send themselves flowers or harass their spouses into sending gifts to the office so that they can act surprised and tell everyone about how in love they are. Again, not a fan. Except I'm kinda dating the father of my child so, I don't know how that all ranks. It's been strange and sorta fun getting to know one another and having a different kind of appreciation for the people that we've become. But that's another blog for another day.

Love is so much more than chocolate and flowers on Valentine's Day. This past weekend, I had a chance to experience a High Octane date. Yes, I am keeping ONE of my resolutions this year. If you are in Orlando, I have three words for you: Fogo de Chão. Go there. Not just on Valentine's Day but whenever you want a fun, vibrant dinner with delicious food that may or may not lead to good sleep thanks to the food coma. But, I digress.

The keys to my heart are simple. Or maybe not.  What happens the other 364 days of the year? How much am I being given? Not material things but time (my love language is QT) and energy. How much of yourself are you giving away those other days when the flowers are half the price and the chocolate would be much more appreciated. Hmmm, I'm beginning to think I need a special key ring for these keys.

Don't get me wrong, I am a romantic at heart. I love being swept off my feet. I just really dislike the expectation that it needs to happen in just one day. And I really dislike seeing my timeline riddled with women that feel anxious or disappointed that they're not getting what they think other women are. Let me tell you, most of what you see is illusion. Not to say that there aren't genuine, awesome couples out there but, I don't want my girls to feel bad or feel less than because of this one day.

I'm a "show me, show me you really love me" kind of girl. And the way to show me love is to commit to me. To respect me. To make me laugh. Sometimes, to make me mad. To not just agree with me or tell me what you think I want to hear. To (dare I say it) make me tingly, surprise me and keep things fun.

While you could probably do all of that in one day, I'd much rather it be done on the days when I'm too tired to get out of bed and perhaps need a bath to be run. Or a few hours to myself. Perhaps lunch or dinner when I haven't had time to go grocery shopping. If you really want the keys to my heart? Help me with my math homework!

One of my goals is to give my heart wholeheartedly. To hand over the keys to someone that I can trust with it. That will cherish it and make sure that everyone knows that is HIS heart and HE is happy to have it. Love is so much more than flowers and candy.

If you celebrate the holiday then I challenge you to do something Valentine-y on February 28. And on March 19. And on April 27. I'll take a wild guess that your gesture will be wildly appreciated on a day when there's no expectation.

Do you celebrate Valentine's Day? What are the keys to YOUR heart?