Happy VD

It's no secret. I dislike Valentine's day. I'm a closet sap, actually, and I love romance as much as the next girl....but give it to me on a random Thursday in May when the thought of how fabulous I am overwhelms you and you can't help but profess your love. Don't give me chocolate because Hallmark says you should.

This freaked the boyfriend out. Despite repeated assurances that I did NOT, in fact, want anything for Valentine's day, he asked several more times, and then called me once to tell me that he had discussed this with his co-workers (all male) and they told him "not to fall for that - get her something anyway."

Since when do I say things I don't mean? I honestly forgot the "holiday" was coming. My (single) friend zlionsfan mentioned that I "had a big week coming up" the week before Valentine's day. Confused, I asked, "Mardi Gras?" He was exasperated. "You know, if I asked 10 other girls who are in a relationship what was coming up next week, they would all know the answer." I responded, "Not if you asked J."

But my dislike for Valentines day got me thinking about relationships in general and all of their intricacies. I have friends who are girly-girls and place a lot of importance on Valentines day. It's a huge day filled with roses, romance and gifts. I have other friends to whom it's just another day. What's the difference in those friends? Is it the relationship, or is it the girl? What's the perfect relationship?

Then I realized that I DO have the perfect relationship...

with my Starbucks Barista.

NOTE: This is taking nothing away from the boyfriend. I have no (well....few) complaints about my current beau...but he's not perfect...I'm not perfect. And our relationship isn't perfect. It takes work.

But my relationship with my Starbucks Barista is EASY. Think about it. My Starbucks Barista gives me exactly what I want every time I ask for it. He's SO low maintenance. He's always there in the mornings for a nice chat and he's so dependable. Even in the crappy snow we've been having, he's always there for me - and he doesn't ask for anything in return. It's a simple relationship and it makes me happy each time I see him... Man.

If I'm in a bad mood, doesn't matter. If I'm in a good mood, doesn't matter. Either way, my Starbucks Barista gives me exactly what I request. He knows my name and my usual drink request, and that's pretty much all I need from him.

It doesn't really matter if he leaves the toilet seat up, or if it takes him a week to do a single chore. I don't care about his views on politics, or whether or not he's a chronic remote hog/channel surfer. Once we spend our 10 minutes of "quality time" together each morning, I don't have to think about his wants and needs, and yet, he fulfills mine every single time I see him.

The perfect relationship. And it was under my nose this entire time. I'll bet HE didn't care about Valentines day

In closing, I'll leave you with a beautiful Valentines poem that Kat(i)e sent me this morning.

Roses are red
Violets are blue
Bite me.

I hope you had a good Valentines day - no matter what you did.