L-O-V-E

Dear Cupid,
I used to think you were stupid.
Valentines day would come each year,
And I would have this great fear:
I didn't have a boyfriend, which was fine by me,
But seeing all the other girls get gifts was hard to see.
And I tried each year to keep at bay,
the awfulness of Singles Awareness Day.
Now I am married and do not cringe,
When I see couples giving hearts laced with trim.
But even with my sweetheart by my side,
I have something I must confide.
I see flowers and chocolates and balloons at the store,
but this are things I no longer adore.
Sure these things are very sweet,
but the purpose of Valentine's has seen defeat.
We say we celebrate love on Valentine's Day,
but I didn't think love was something for which you had to pay.
And so my dear cupid,
All these years later, I still think you are stupid.

Alright, kind of cheesy I know, but really, WHY do we celebrate Valentine's Day? I think commercialism has pushed us a little far from the mark. My own perception of love has changed greatly since I've been married. Love used to be infatuation, a feeling of happiness or giddiness, though I was told it was much more. After 5 years of marriage, I am not giddy like I once was, but I can say that I am even more in love now than I was 5 years ago, because now, love is an action. Love is when you make a selfless decision. Love is overlooking faults and mistakes. Love is biting your tongue. It is trying to understand even if you don't. Love is when a father gives his daughter away. Love is when you forgive even if you want to stay mad. I wish THIS was what we celebrate on Valentine's day, but I don't think there are many people who even know of this love any more. That's why we celebrate stuffed animals and chocolates on February 14th.