When a person goes against the grain, there is a real feeling of doing something wrong. At the same time, if we are giving a gift only because we “are supposed to”, isn’t that also a sign that we are doing something wrong as well? The best gifts, in my opinion, are those that are well thought out & meaningful, given at a time when they are least expected.

And yes, there is absolutely an unwritten book about the “proper” way of behaving in a relationship that is perpetuated by our society. We have certain expectations of our partners. Valentines Day…flowers & candy. Anniversary gifts. Honeymoons to exotic locations. The question becomes, do these things matter or is it the feelings we get from these objects and moments? Couldn’t you make your partner feel special without spending a ton of money? We all want to feel loved & as if we are the center of our partner’s world. Too often that means spending money on Stuff that is really in no way a true expression of our affection for one another.

I think it is time that we begin to reconnect with our loved ones by not buying them Stuff but instead showing a real interest in our relationships by sharing our feelings and our passion again. It is time to get excited about the ones we love…and that requires not a single cent.

I like the line about “in the back of my mind I wondered if this is a trap”… its actually both funny and sad because it’s true. Some dating ‘handbooks’ treat relationships as a game such that sometimes it really is a trap.

Keep up the good work… and happy b-days to the both of your!