The Image
The image of a guy bringing chocolates to his sweetheart on Valentines Day is indelibly etched in every man’s brain. This is the quintessential example of a holiday created by and for the florist, candy and greeting card industries. Saint Valentine, a Roman priest who married Christian couples during Emperor Claudius’ reign doesn’t get much press. Don’t misunderstand I’m not opposed to celebrating Valentines Day enthusiastically. In fact I’ve already ordered flowers to be delivered to my sweetie so I don’t get shut out.
But I always feel something’s missing when I purchase products from all the aforementioned businesses. Sure, I cover the traditional bases, but for some reason those gestures of affection feel empty because all I’ve done is spent money and supported a holiday created to tap my wallet.
More
This year I wanted to figure out how to make this Valentines Day feel more satisfying. I’ve been pondering this for a few days and what I’ve decided that might make this day truly special beyond bringing flowers, candy, and a cute card, is to rekindle the powerful emotional, sexual feelings that brought my sweetheart and me together in the first place.
It’s been four years since we met, a short relationship in some circles, but enough time for two marriages in California where I live. Just kidding, sort of. I vividly remember the emotional and sexual excitement I felt surging through my body not long after we met. Okay, I know that’s what most boomers consider honeymoon sex and love, but I’m not sure it isn’t something more.
We’ve worked hard to solidify our relationship through emotional dialogue and better understanding each other’s wants and needs. So if we’ve deepened our relationship why has the honeymoon sex and love diminished?
Wild and Crazy
I don’t feel it has to diminish because I don’t buy into the notion that it’s just inevitable. I’m going to dedicate this Valentines Day to rekindling the wild and crazy feelings that brought my sweetie and me together in the first place. I want to see her like it’s the first time again, fresh and exciting. I want to tell her what it is that’s kept me coming back for more for the past four years, and what it is that will keep me coming back. We’re a youthful, healthy couple in our late sixties and early seventies. Our emotional dialogue has become more sophisticated in that we know how to share what’s in our hearts.
Rekindle
We make love the same way we did when we were younger, albeit more of a sweet waltz now, but with the same intensity. I want to tell her why I’m still so hot for her and that it’s deeply connected to my increasingly open heart. I want to thank her for making trust a non-issue in our relationship. I want to remind her that she’s my absolute best friend. I want to honor her for becoming such an amazing woman.
So I’ll bring the flowers, chocolates, and a funny Valentines Day card, but I’ll also bring something else, something more meaningful. I’ll bring a grateful heart to a woman who deserves nothing less. Happy Valentines Day, Nancy.