My First Real Valentine's Day

Saturday is Valentine's Day - a day when millions of women anticipate some token of affection from that "someone special." I've always been one of those women - even when I was a little girl I made sure I had a full bag of Valentines from my classmates! I don't really have expensive taste - no need for a Tiffany box placed strategically on the kitchen table when I get home - but I've always liked flowers, cards, special treatment, etc. (Note to my husband: for the record, this doesn't mean I would be disappointed with a Tiffany box)

But this is the first year that I really don't care about any of those things. I was married last October, and I've never been happier in my relationship. Donté, my husband, and I dated for six years before we were married, and we experienced the many growing pains of a maturing relationship. (We rode the emotional roller coaster until they closed down the theme park, okay?!) But now, we've finally reached a point that I wouldn't call perfection but rather contentment and connection. Having been through the ups and downs, this state of things is the best Valentine's Day present I could ever receive.

This morning Donté left for Florida on a business trip, but before he walked out the door, I went downstairs and sat on the couch next to him. We didn't talk much. Every now and then we enjoyed the silence. I just held his hand and relished in how simple things seemed and how much I love this man. It was the sweetest box of chocolates, biggest bouquet of roses, and most expensive piece of jewelry I've ever received.

Happy Valentine's Day, guys.

xoxo,

Nicole