Do you celebrate Valentine’s Day?

[Sweetappley]

Do you celebrate Valentine’s Day?

We go out for a meal a week later. Can’t stand being in a restaurant on Valentine’s Day (plus we’d never be organised enough to book anywhere decent).

No

Card/choc for him and card/flowers for me - only day in guaranteed flowers so I'll take it.

Stay in and just have some nicer food than normal, nothing crazy.

Nope. In 43 years of being together we’ve never “celebrated”. I did get a Morrison meal deal though because it was good value and will actually do us two meals.(steak last night and prawn and scallop gratin and pannacotta tonight.)

Yes, nothing big but cards and token gift. Maybe a meal out if childcare available but if not a takeaway.
Together 15 years.

Sometimes. I don't think we're doing anything this year though, which is fine by me. We've been together 33 years, and we still quite like each other...

Nah, it’s not something DH and I have ever really done although y’know, to each their own! Im certainly not going to judge anyone for doing something completely harmless simply because it’s not something I do.

Nope, especially as its my wedding anniversary with XH!

Not normally but I swapped my shift so I’m off today and going to the pub

We exchange cards and small gift like a book.

My husband would like to go out for a meal and make a big thing of it. I'd like to do nothing. So this is our compromise.

Yes! Cards, a box of chocolates, flowers, and a nice dinner out after work—just a little effort to celebrate. We’ve been together for a long time, but that doesn’t mean the romance should fade.

Honestly, it’s no surprise that some people are so unhappy in their marriages if no one is making an effort anymore. And yes, you could argue that date nights shouldn’t be limited to Valentine’s Day—I completely agree. Making time for each other and keeping the connection alive is just as important as it was in the early days of dating.

I truly believe that some people cheat because they crave that thrill and excitement they felt at the start of their relationship. The spark doesn’t have to disappear—you just have to keep fueling it.
The grass is greener where you water it.

We never did gifts or flowers or cards, but my late OH and I would get a curry delivered and cuddle on the sofa with a film.

I'm ignoring it this year though. It's still too raw

Yes, been together 31 years. I gave DH some M&S mixers, chocolate bear and other chocolates. He's given me flowers which include Roses. Haven't been out of the village this week, so we've got a Tesco meal deal. DH was offered salmon, but I think he enjoys the thought of a more spread out relaxed meal.

It's a day that encourages you to make the effort to take time out for eachother and a bit of fun.

Yes, why not? Its a bright moment in a grey cold month. We celebrate family love as well as romantic love. Dh and I exchange cards, I make something for the kids, one year it was stained glass heart sun catchers for their windows, sometimes I handdraw them cards, then i make a special breakfast for them so heart pancakes with heart chocolates on, and DH will make a nice meal for me tonight. This year i gave the children a packet of love hearts each with their handmade cards and they were delighted, didn't cost much to put big smiles on their faces! 😍

Well it doesn't mean he doesn't. I don't get your mindset. A strong relationship isn't built on being bought gifts all the time. It's about appreciating the day to day stuff. Valentines is just a nice thing to do. It doesn't have to come with an agenda. I think you're overthinking. Maybe your own husband is lacking and you find it difficult.

Please may I ask a couple of questions to people who exchange cards with their DPs?

Why do you do it? I mean, I've always thought of cards as something to send to people you never/rarely see or talk to, just to say "I remember you exist and have thought of you a bit on this day". I don't understand the idea of giving cards to someone you live with - just say the words to them.

Then what do you do with the cards? Don't they just end up in the bin tomorrow?

I'm not being obtuse - genuinely puzzled and intrigued.

@Limth Maybe I'm a bit sentimental but I keep my valentines cards rather than binning them. DH always writes something really lovely and personal inside, and as he's not always the best at expressing himself verbally, those cards and messages mean a lot to me.

Yes - we exchange cards - DH buys me flowers and a nice meal out. We used to buy gifts but stopped a few years ago.

Nah not really. Sometimes we get a card if we remember! Husband works away a lot so isn't always around on the special day itself!

I did buy my son a heart shaped chocolate lollipop though so I'm sure he will like that.

Yes, but we celebrate lots of important Saints ‘ days ( and a few of more local or personal significance).

No tat though, just a nice meal and a special grace, satisfying God and Mammon.

@CherryBake oh wow! Congratulations

Yes of course! So many scrooges on this thread. How do you show you love someone if not by strictly defined and expected romantic activities on one designated day?
You people.

We usually find the best cracker joke we can and write it in, perhaps draw a lifelike picture of a giant penis inside. That sort of thing. Have a laugh, card sits on the top of the bookcase for a week as a nice reminder, then gets recycled. A lot of joy for the price of about £2.

Do you really not give cards to anyone you see on a regular basis? Presumably you get birthday cards for your DC - and probably did even before they could actually understand what a birthday was or read the greeting inside, so doubly “pointless.”

Valentines aside have you never given or made a card for someone you live with? Or received one. Even as a child?
Some of the cards my children and husband have given me are among my favourite possessions.

Good question, but how is that different to Christmas cards and gifts??