Feb 14 2009
Is the economy killing the romance?
Before my husband and I were married I could expect the usual Valentine’s Day card and gift. Sometimes even an unexpected gift, like the year he spent way too much money on a diamond necklace for me. This Valentine’s Day I am only expecting to do laundry and have left over pork roast for dinner tonight. Is it the economy or is the romance dead?
I’m a very practical person. I know we don’t have extra money to spend these days. Therefore, I don’t expect to exchange $4 a piece greeting cards with my husband just because of a commercialized holiday. I wouldn’t even consider having someone watch our son in order to go out and spend money on an overpriced meal at some nice restaurant. I’m not the type of woman who enjoys getting all dressed up and going out on the town too often anyway. Once in a great while the mood might strike me, but as a rule it just isn’t something I’m into. Hence, the reason I’m not too upset over not having the money to blow on what have become the traditional celebrations of Valentine’s Day. Plus I think with the way the economy has continued to decline for over a year now, even if we had the money to spend I would still be saving every penny possible.
With everything we have going on right now I didn’t even think much about the fact that Valentine’s Day was today. My husband is an owner operator (truck driver who owns his truck) and his truck has been in the shop for about three weeks now. Since his work is our only source of income this means we have had no money coming in the entire time his truck has been down. Luckily his truck is now fixed and he will be back to working again soon. We are still dealing with some other things, but I won’t go into all that right now. The bottom line is I’m not really feeling the whole Valentine’s Day vibe today.
What’s starting to bother me is the fact that I’m not bothered by any of it. I’ve never really seen the point in spending all that money for roses that’ll be dead within the week. When we were dating I often scolded my husband for spending money on something as frivolous as roses for me. Yet he still did it and I don’t foresee that being the case today. I’m positive on his end it is entirely the lack of money and I wouldn’t doubt if he’s feeling a little down that we won’t being doing too much Valentine’s Day celebrating today. As for me, I’m almost completely fine with not doing anything different today.
Does that mean the romance is dead or am I just too sensible about things? Sometimes I feel that I don’t care about things the way I use to now that I’m a mother. Unless it is something that affects my son, I’m not really concerned by it. I know in a lot of way I’m not a “typical” woman. Is it my unique view about things that makes me not feel the hype of today? Anyone out there understand what I mean? Do you have the same attitude about Valentine’s Day not being a big deal?
You’re not alone, and I don’t think you’re wrong or silly - I always just figured it’s the Capricorn in me :). I actually do love Valentine’s Day, but never went in for the expensive commercial aspect of it. I always viewed it as a time to do something fun with my kids. We spent a lot of happy hours making homemade Valentines for the kids and teachers in their classes - just like my mom did with me when I was little.
P.S. - and my Captcha code here is “romance 4:45″ - I wonder if I should take it as a cue to do something romantic this afternoon. Hm.
You aren’t wrong, and it doesn’t mean that the romance is dead. People mistakenly assume that all romance has to involve gift-giving, money-spending, and pretty things. Some of the most romantic evenings I have had have involved sitting around with my guy in the most comfy pajamas we can find and playing dominoes at the kitchen table.
Then again, you can always heat things up by just using the right words at the right time. Do something unexpected - it will probably ignite the fire that you’re worried about losing.
http://singleparent.today.com
There are some people who definitely feel that it is killing romance because they believe that material things are solely what makes someone “love” you. Those people are sadly mistaken. Love and romance is about more than money and the gifts you can give. You can be just as romantic in a thrifty way at home. It’s the thought that counts.
Honestly, I think people kill both romance and the economy. When someone screams “recession” people stop spending which means less gifts and candy which then means less sharing the love around. Some will survive, but since we’ve been taught to spend outside of our means and that everyone can have everything handed to them without cause people have forgotten that maybe just a little bit more love will make the hard times smooth instead of looking to the government for love.
I hosted a Italian Spagettie bring an item party for twenty of my friends on Valentines night. We each brought items like Ceaser salad and Garlic bread, Strawberries and Chocolate fondue dip, with white chocolate. Then there was a stunning heart shaped marble strawberry cake brought and many other small wonderful dishes. We made our romantic C.D.’s to play during the party from our computers Limewire program. We purchased candles for the tables and many decorative items from Ebay too! This way it did not cost ridiculous amounts of money for any one and turned out to be a stunning party for everyone. It was probably one f my best Valentines days ever! It can be done on a budget all you have t do is get your friends involved! Ebay is also wonderful for new lingerie, even for us plus sizes!