Valentine’s Day – a day of love, chocolates, and those little heart-shaped candies that somehow manage to be both adorable and inedible. Everywhere you look, there are red roses, teddy bears holding hearts, and couples walking hand-in-hand. It’s beautiful, it’s romantic, and it’s… well, a bit overwhelming at times.
So, here’s my confession: every Valentine’s Day, I buy myself a gift. Yes, you read that right. I stroll into my favorite store (or, let’s be real, browse my favorite online shops in my cozy pajamas) and pick out something special. Just for me. Why? Because I’ve been married for 43 years and no he’s never gotten it right. There were years of half-eaten boxes of Godiva chocolates (that would have been right…had all 36 pieces been intact), there were years of not even a card, and then there was that year that he bought me a boat (I get seasick – talk about buying yourself a gift). He has gotten better in the past couple of years…either that or I’ve mellowed to the fact that he’s a terrible gift-giver. So, I started buying MYSELF a gift each year for February 14th and while he has gotten better, I kind of like the tradition of getting myself something special.
The Joy of Self-Gifting
Self-gifting on Valentine’s Day is not just an act of buying something; it’s my celebration of self-love and self-appreciation. It’s a gentle reminder that love doesn’t always have to come from someone else; it can come from within, too. And let’s face it, who knows me better than me? I know exactly what I want, no guessing games or subtle hints required. If I feel like it, I can get flowers and candy. I can gift myself a day at the spa or get that Johnny Was dress that I’ve been wanting.
Breaking the Valentine’s Day Mold
Valentine’s Day traditionally revolves around romantic love, but who made these rules anyway? I’m 43 years married (44 together), and even though I’m not single I still believe it’s high time we break the mold and redefine what Valentine’s Day means. It’s a day to celebrate love in all its forms, including the love you have for yourself. I have girlfriends who call me depressed because they are single and others who like me have significant others who think that a Hallmark Holiday is a waste of time.
The Perfect Gift? Always a Sure Thing!
We’ve all been there – receiving gifts that are… well, let’s just say, not quite right. The roses that you’re allergic to, the itchy sweater in a color that screams ‘not your style.’ When I buy a gift for myself, it’s always spot on. Whether it’s that book I’ve been eyeing for months or the fancy chocolates I adore, I get it right every single time. Damn, I’m a good gift-giver.
The Excitement of Shopping
Plus, we all know that there’s something thrilling about shopping for yourself. You enter the store with a sense of purpose and leave with a sense of accomplishment. And when online shopping, there’s the added excitement of tracking your package and the anticipation of its arrival. It’s like sending a love letter to yourself and eagerly waiting for the mail carrier to leave a box at your door.
Self-Love is the Best Love
Buying myself a Valentine’s Day gift is a reminder to love and appreciate myself. In this hustle and bustle of life, we often forget to take a moment for self-care and self-admiration. This little tradition is my way of pausing and reminding myself that I am valued, loved, and deserving of nice things.
Creating My Own Traditions
Who says traditions have to be passed down through generations? I’m all for creating my own traditions. Self-gifting on Valentine’s Day is my quirky, personal tradition, and I absolutely love it. It’s something I look forward to each year – a sweet spot in the middle of winter.
The Element of Surprise
Even though I’m buying the gift myself, I still manage to surprise myself. Sometimes, I’ll order something online and forget about it by the time it arrives. It’s like past me is sending future me a surprise present. How thoughtful of me!
The Gift of Experiences
Sometimes, my Valentine’s gift to myself isn’t a physical item. It might be a spa day, a nice dinner out, or a movie night. These experiences become cherished memories, a gift that keeps on giving.
It’s Time to Celebrate Yourself
I hope that my tradition of buying myself a Valentine’s Day gift inspires you to do the same. It’s a small act that says, ‘I love myself, and that’s worth celebrating.’ It’s not about being alone or not; it’s not about him or her or them getting you the WRONG gift. It’s about honoring your worth.
My Valentine, Myself
So, this Valentine’s Day, while the world is awash in shades of pink and red, I’ll be celebrating me – with a perfectly chosen gift, wrapped in self-love and topped with a bow of contentment. And to all my readers, whether you’re single, in a relationship, or somewhere in between, remember to show yourself some love. After all, you’re worth it!
Whether you’re a fellow self-gifter or you’re considering starting this tradition, I say go for it. Love yourself a little extra this Valentine’s Day. You deserve it!
