Lack of Commitment Is the Most Common Reason for Divorce in the USA, according to Forbes.com “Revealing Divorce Statistics In 2024”. Divorce can have a lasting impact on your finances.
Don’t let “Lack of Commitment” be your reason for messing up on Valentine’s Day 2024.
Super Bowl to Daytona – What a Week
We kicked off the week with a Super Bowl that was competitive and enjoyable whether you like Taylor Swift or not.
It followed closely with Mardis Gras, then Ash Wednesday, and on Thursday, begins Speedweek at the Daytona 500, with races on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, and the Daytona 500 on Sunday.
(I have always wondered about race car fans who start the season with the most significant race. It seems backward to me.)
Oh, and if you are not paying attention, the Romantic Holiday, Valentine’s Day, is on Wednesday.
Wait, in the middle of all these important events, we have Valentine’s Day on Wednesday (aka Hump Day), The Irony of it all.
The question is, are you ready, or will you be a failure in your performance?
THE DON’T DO’s
Before we focus on what you can do for this Valentine’s Day, let me give you the two NOs you don’t want to do.
- Valentine’s Dinner at a restaurant is like going to the grocery store at 2:00 PM on Wednesday before Thanksgiving. Yes, you can get fed, but romantic? Not a chance. It makes Dining on the Titanic have a better ending.
- Roses– NO, mainly stopping at the Kroger on the way home and buying from the tent in the parking lot. This says, oh, I realized I should do this, but I made it look like I was stopping to fill up with gas and pick up roses. Buy an Orchid. They last longer, and it says you have some sense about you.
Five Great Ways to Outperform Average on Valentine’s Day
Valentine’s Day is a time to celebrate romance and love with dark chocolate and red wine (my choices and heart-healthy). Give the gifts you cannot get on Amazon.
- The Card – The gift of a card is like V-day 101. It is required. DO NOT go to the local store on the 14th and try to pick one up. The card aisle looks like the bread and beer aisles before a hurricane comes to the Gulf Coast. What you get will give away your total lack of preparation. I recommend that you make a card. Yes, childlike. There is a bonus if you have children (no matter the age) and get them to make them with you to give to your significant other.
It is sentimental and demonstrates your acknowledgment that being a parent is just as important as being your significant other. No kids, then try it anyway. Here is how you do it.
- For a forever gift, Go to your favorite nursery, purchase a rose bush or tree, and plant it with your Valentine. It is a forever gift. In our front yard is a Japanese Maple that we purchased and planted together. The annual beauty reminds us of the growth of our relationship over time.
- Make it Simple – It is a school night! Coming home from work and planning an extravagant meal might be more than you, your spouse, and your family can handle. Going simple can be the proper approach, even if you are an empty nester. Order Pizza from your favorite local place or whatever your go-to takeout might be. The cleanup is simple. But take the time to spend some time in your favorite wine shop (I like Pogo’s) and get a better bottle of wine or champagne than you usually would. Everyone will enjoy.
- The Gift – this is where you either fail or succeed. Get them something they want or need. You must pay attention! Several years ago, Tina lost her running hat. My gift for her was a new running hat from her girlfriend’s out-of-town store. Everyone won.
- The “It’s Not About Me Gift” – Does your Spouse/SO/Lover have a friend they have not seen recently? Use some of those stored-up travel miles and send them to see their friend or plan a long weekend to meet up and spend time together.
We all need those special people in our lives, and giving this as a gift will recharge all of us.
Enjoy the week. Spring is Coming
