Love for Everybody on Valentine's Day
This is Valentine's Day week. Each year, readers ask what Valentine's means to me.
Frankly, it's not a big deal. Oh, it's nice to be remembered by someone special on Valentine's, but I feel bad because there are so many middle age singles who aren't in
relationships, who probably won't hear from anybody
Before I got involved with my girlfriend, I remember waking
up on Valentine's and saying to myself, "Please make this day go by as quickly and painlessly as possible." I always tended to look at the clock more on that day, wishing it would speed up. I rated it
right up there with Xmas, New Years, and birthdays as being the most depressing day for singles who have nobody.
And then some guy would send a bouquet, or a box of chocolates with those silvery balloons attached with "I love you" written on them to one of my co-workers, or to one of the tellers
at the Harbor National Bank where I make my deposits. I tried to ignore the gifts, but the balloons seem to be in perpetual motion and get your attention like sunlight reflecting off a car window.
I used to think that Valentine's Day was created by merchants who sell Valentine's day stuff to stimulate their sales. I still kind of feel that way, but in light of the economy, stimulating
business isn't a bad thing right now.
The florist down the street from my business on Pacific Coast Highway in Dana Point (Calif) deserves a Valentine's week boost in business. He's done more to beautify our city by
displaying flowers and rustic bird houses on his corner than any clean-up order from City Hall could ever have done. And Jim Browne, the owner, is a good and hard working guy. When you think about
it, this world is a better place because of florists.
I'm fortunate at this point in my life to have somebody special in it. Oh, I've picked up a couple of small items for her for Valentine's (no chocolate, that doesn't do either one of us any
good). But I feel strongly that I need to show her each day how much I care, not just on February 14. She's better at that than I; she tells me every day.
We'll skip dining out-the restaurants are too busy and too expensive on Valentine's. We'll probably grab a couple special Italian sausage sandwiches at Guicho's on El Camino Real
in San Clemente, and eat them at home.
So, don't forget your sweetie this Valentine's, and while you're at it, how about giving a card, a teddy bear, flowers, or a bag of M&M's to someone you know who probably won't get
anything? Let's try to make Valentine's special for everybody, not just the one's who already have somebody.
READER COMMENTS AND TOM'S RESPONSES
Julie, Newport Beach: "In last week's column, you spelled "Silicon Valley," as 'Silicone Valley.' What were you thinking? And in your book, you misspelled 'brunette.' Maybe I
should edit your next book." Response: I've always had trouble with brunettes. Come to think about it, with silicone also. You'll be able to start editing my next book in a month or two.
Darrell, Laguna Hills: "Why would anyone consider a long term relationship knowing that if difficulties arise, they might have to get in line behind the dog?" Response:
When you take someone out for the first time, and rover is inside a beach bag or a coat, and snaps or growls at you, consider that a red flag.
Mike, North Adams, Mass.: Seems to me Valentine's Day is geared to couples. It's also my birthday, and I'm single. I delay my celebration so as not to interfere with the
'table-for-two syndrome." Response: You, particularly, must understand
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