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Love for Everybody on Valentine's Day
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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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