Valentine’s Day Now

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Does Valentine’s Day really look different at this age? There was a time when Valentine’s Day felt like pressure — flowers that had to be delivered, dinners that needed reservations weeks in advance, expectations wrapped in red cellophane. Back then, love was louder. Flashier. A little exhausting. And did I really expect that???

Now, sometimes love looks like coffee made the way I like it — black. Bourbon poured without asking. Comfortable silence that doesn’t need fixing. A knowing smile and a kiss good morning to start your day.

I’m married to BigDog and somewhere along the way we learned that romance isn’t about proving anything anymore. It’s about showing up. Staying. Laughing when things go sideways. And I can find this romantic, because it’s all the moments.

At this stage of life, Valentine’s Day isn’t about grand gestures, even though they may be nice once in awhile. It’s just different now, but in a good way. Because it’s about the small, steady moments. But most importantly showing up. Not just on Valentines Day but every day.

It’s about choosing each other again even when we’re tired, even when life feels hard, even when the future looks different than we imagined. Especially then.

So here’s my Valentine’s wish for you:

• Drink the good coffee.
• Pour the good drink.
• Light the candle even if no one else is watching.
• Celebrate the love you do have — including your own.

Because love doesn’t expire with age.
It just gets quieter, deeper, and a whole lot more real.