Quest of a Closet Poker Player

For many people, Valentine’s Day is the one time each year to step forward with a romantic gesture for the special someone in your life. A card, roses, chocolates all serve as a symbol of undying affection.

Romance is really about forethought and the unexpected, which always for me has meant Valentine’s Day is more of a Hallmark et al marketing event than anything. This may also have to do with Valentine’s Day 1973 when I bought a pound of chocolate for Doris Clark, only to watch her share it with two other boys.

But I digress. I’ve always thought I was a master at romance, that it should come from things big and small in everyday life rather than the rare performance which we can identify as a romantic interlude. A touch on the shoulder here, a noticing of a special curl of the hair there. Buying two dozen roses on a Thursday for no reason, taking the kids away from the house on a Saturday morning.

Many people connect romance to sex, often one proceeding the other. Ultimately, romance and love is about putting your lover first. And putting him or her first shouldn’t be compartmentalized but should come with every day and most of your waking moments. Does this mean we shouldn’t have our own guilty pleasures? No, but it does mean that we should strive from tomorrow until the end of the month to make a stair-step change in how we think of our partner and lover. It means spontaneity, sure, but it should mean planning as well. Decide on three things to do for her this weekend rather than to buy her. Think of something that she would never do for herself then make it happen. Valentine’s Day should be a catalyst rather than an end to itself, so here’s hoping that we can each take some time to determine how best to spend the next days or months bringing more romance to our lives.

CC’s Thursday Bash tomorrow. No pimping this time, but I’ll have one drawing for the person with the best response to this: Why do I love my partner/spouse? Send all entries to csquard@gmail.com, and I’ll post the winner Thursday. I’ll review everything I get by midnight tonight. Thanks for stopping by, and take care.

ADDENDUM

A bit old, but in honor of Beckham’s goal for Real Madrid last weekend, an interview by Ali G with Posh and Becks.

This entry was posted on Wednesday, February 14th, 2007 at 9:20 am and is filed under Uncategorized.