This Sunday is Valentine’s Day.
That fact can cause some people to panic. They get anxious. Stressed out.
Other folks don’t break a sweat.
Some get goofy and giddy. Some get sad. Others couldn't care less.
How can one day inspire so many different reactions?
Because love is complicated.
And sometimes, facing a holiday all about it can feel overwhelming.
But it doesn’t have to be.
Once again, I’m here to offer my humble advice for making the most of Valentine’s Day. Because everybody knows that when it comes to romance, there is no better expert resource than your local economic development director.
First, let’s get one thing straight...
Last Sunday was the Super Bowl.
Remember that thing on TV with pop singers, disappointing commercials and a Vince Lombardi hologram? Well apparently there was also a football game.
Two teams. Four quarters. The team with the most points was declared the winner.
Last Sunday was definitely a competition.
But this Sunday is definitely not.
I repeat: the object of Valentine’s Day isn’t to score points.
You should NOT be thinking about offensive or defensive strategy. And I cannot stress enough how much of a bad idea it would be to dump a cooler of Gatorade on your partner.
The real object of Valentine’s Day is to show someone that you love them. Sure we show and tell them all year long, but Sunday is when we're inspired to do a little extra.
Cards, flowers and chocolates have become the tradition, but we all have our own ways of showing that we care.
There are dinner-by-candlelight, diamonds-and-champagne types.
You also have your walk-on-the-beach, Casablanca-on-cable and strawberries-and-chocolate people.
And of course, there are always a few let's-renew-our-vows-while-skydiving-or-swimming-with-sharks folks.
But ultimately, the HOW part of Valentine's Day doesn't matter as much as the WHO.
Think of it like this, the person you love doesn't want a card. They want a card from YOU.
They don't really want flowers or candy or jewelry. They want a gift from YOU.
So here's my one simple piece of unsolicited and unscientific romantic advice for Valentine’s Day 2021: MAKE AN EFFORT AND MAKE IT PERSONAL.
Create your own bouquet instead of grabbing what’s available. Try to cook even if you don't know how to cook. Think outside the Whitman’s box and get creative.
Even if all you do is exchange cards, you can make an effort and make it personal. Instead of just scribbling your name on the bottom of a card like you're signing a check for the gas company, why not share a great memory, steal a few lines of poetry or quote a favorite song?
Here’s the thing, I’m not a professional Cupid or Casanova. I’m just a regular Italian-American, Connecticut-born, Corolla resident who got lucky and found an amazing lady. My wife and I have been married for 47 years and things are looking promising for at least another 40 more.
I’m not giving away all of my secrets, but I promise you that "making an effort and making it personal" works for me.
Love is complicated, but people are pretty simple.
They like feeling special.
So keep that in mind this Sunday, whatever you do.
And remember that you don’t need fireworks, diamonds and champagne, or a four-star restaurant, private jet to Paris and a Vince Lombardi hologram to show you care.
Like four wise men once said, “All you need is love.”
Thanks for reading!
Sincerely,
Larry Lombardi
Director of Economic Development
