All decisions are not created equal.
In a few days, some people will have to make very big ones.
Super Bowl Sunday followed by Saint Valentine’s Monday.
That’s one heck of a doubleheader.
For the teams on the field and the coaches on the sidelines, Sunday’s big game will require quick thinking and split-second decisions based on understanding all of the possible strategies and scenarios.
Every choice will bring them closer to victory or doom them to failure.
Careers and legacies will be decided in real time, under intense pressure.
Meanwhile, viewers at home will debate whether to get pepperoni or sausage or both.
They will wrestle with important questions like, “Should we add the garlic knots for another five bucks?”
When it comes to decisions, all are not created equal.
When it comes to Super Bowl Sunday, I’ve already made my big decision. I’m going to skip the whole thing and binge another four hours of Olympic curling.
I don’t think they’re going to miss me in Los Angeles. They have Snoop Dogg. They’ll be fine.
It’s pretty easy for me to opt out since I’m not playing in the game, airing a commercial or laying a bet on the winner.
True fact: most people can ignore the Super Bowl and go on to live a normal life.
Valentine’s Day is a whole other ball game.
Romance can be a tricky business. Stressful too.
The only thing more terrifying than competing for an audience of over 91 million people is figuring out the best way to say “I love you” to one person.
At least that's the way it goes at first.
The good news is that the more Valentine's Days you spend with the same person, the easier it gets. Couples who've logged serious relationship miles understand that love and romance aren't things you necessarily need a national holiday to celebrate.
It's a nice reminder, but the longer two people are together, the more they realize love isn't just about the big gestures.
It becomes part of your everyday life. You find it in the little things.
But when a relationship is new, the Valentine's performance anxiety can get real.
And when it comes to crunch time, “fourth and goal with 5 seconds on the clock in the Super Bowl” has nothing on “5:30pm inside a Walgreen’s on Valentine’s Day.”
I’ve seen it. It’s not pretty.
People lined up at the flower shops, supermarkets and drugstores. That look of panic on their faces as they try to decide whether the mixed spring bouquet is better than a dozen red roses.
Would she prefer the chocolate truffle assortment or the box that's all caramels?
Will he appreciate a funny card or should I go with sentimental and sappy?
Did I spend enough of my paycheck on the most romantic day of the year?
For many husbands and wives, boyfriends, girlfriends and significant others of the world, success on Valentine’s Day will require quick thinking and split-second decisions based on understanding all of the possible strategies and scenarios.
Every choice will bring them closer to victory or doom them to failure.
Relationships and legacies will be decided in real time, under intense pressure.
Meanwhile, millions of long-married couples will stay home, snuggle up and order a pizza.
They will debate over whether to get pepperoni or sausage or both.
They will ask each other big questions like, “Should we add the garlic knots for another five bucks?”
And the answer is YES.
You ALWAYS add the garlic knots.
Have a great weekend and a Happy Valentine's Day!
Thanks for reading.
Sincerely,
Larry Lombardi
Director of Economic Development
