By Staff
Leada DeVaney, Editor
Two weeks ago at dinner, the thought occurred to me that I should remind Greg that Valentine's Day is approaching.
"When is it?" he asked.
"Feb. 14. Same date as last year and every year," I answered. "It's on a Saturday."
"Hmmm…can you remind me that Friday?" he asked.
"Yes, I will remind you," I answered, knowing that if I didn't I probably would be left high and dry on the most romantic day of the year.
Being the typical female, I had purchased my own Valentine's cards and presents about a month ago, before the nice cards ran out and all that remained were the ones with cats dressed up as Cupid on the front.
I had bought a card for Greg and one for his son and another card from his son to Greg. I had bought a card for my parents, for each of my nephews, my grandmother, my best friend, Greg's mother and my sister. The entire stack was sitting on the dining room table, just waiting to be stamped with a "love" stamp and mailed off.
It took more than an hour to pick them all out, as I wanted each one to be perfect and convey the best message. Not one of them said "Hey, Hot Stuff," or anything like that.
"Own stock in Hallmark?" was Greg's only comment to the card purchases.
"Had to get there early to get the good ones," I said. "It's a thought you should consider."
He didn't pay any attention and thoughts of a Valentine's card purchased at a gas station on the way to my house started racing through my mind.
Last weekend, I gave him a gentle reminder again, something along the lines of "hey, you better not forget that Valentine's Day is this Saturday."
"I haven't forgotten," he said. "I've just got to pick the right one out."
"That's why I'm reminding you," I said. "If you wait too long there won't be any good ones left. And don't forget, you have to actually read them before you give me one."
Greg paused and looked rather sheepish.
"I don't need to go to the store," he replied. "I bought a bunch last year so I would have them on hand in case I forgot and couldn't find one at the last minute."
Not the response I expected. My emotions are torn.
On one hand, do I really want an old Valentine's card? Is there an expiration date on these things? Do they go bad after three months?
On the other hand, I should probably be grateful to have a guy thoughtful enough to make sure he didn't screw things up and glad I don't get a card he got free with an 8-gallon fill-up.
Thoughtful and practical. I doubt there is a better combination.