Valentine Schmalentine

I hate Valentine's Day. There! I said it. I always have and I always will. Most of you are probably not aware of this but I am, in fact, Cupid's third cousin by marriage, twice removed. My name is Putrid. I too have wings - although mine are a little molten and oftentimes, covered with mud and bits of straw. I also carry a bow - however, my quiver is stocked with tranquilizer darts which I shoot into unsuspecting fools for love.

There are 365 days in a year. It is possible to tell someone you love them in millions of tiny ways over those 365 days. Expressing how you feel for someone should not be reserved for one day out of the year and it definitely doesn't require a holiday to remind you to do so! Love is not a ginormous white teddy bear with a red bow around its neck. Love is not a bouquet of flowers which will quickly wilt and die within a weeks time. Love can not be found within a nougaty center with a creamy chocolate surprise and love most certainly can not be found in the shape of a heart encrusted with diamonds dangling from a weak chain which can easily break.

I've said it many times before and I'll say it yet again. It's all about the little things. Want to show me you love me? Reach over and take my hand when you know I need comfort. If you see me crying, wipe away the tears and assure me that everything is going to be alright. Do something so stupid and goofy that I laugh until I can't breathe. Remember how I take my coffee. Know that I'm always cold and figure out ways to keep me warm. Kiss me like you mean it and whisper, "I Love You" in my ear. Save your money! Spend some time thinking about the person you love. What will truly touch their heart?

So as you're stressing over what to buy your beloved for this *cough cough* most romantic day of the year, remember this quote:

The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen, nor touched, but are felt in the heart. ~Helen Keller

Now if you'll excuse me, I think I just saw the shadow of a 6 foot white teddy bear passing outside my window. Someone needs to be shot in the behind with a tranquilizer dart before they express their "love" through synthetic fur and button eyes.

And for those of you who have friends like me - might I suggest this as a gift: BitterSweets