Note to Cupid: Keep on Truckin'

Blair and I went out to eat on Saturday. "Have you bought my cards yet for Valentine's Day?" I asked as we exited the car.

"Nope," he replied, rubbing his hands together for warmth.

"Me either," I said. "Want to skip it?"

He paused, and looked up at the night sky. "I love being married to you."

"Ditto."

I've blogged on this before, but I must post again and reiterate my point.  Want the secret to a happy marriage? Not having to buy cards and gifts because the date on the calendar says so is an excellent start. 

From our first Christmas together, Blair and I agreed not to buy each other gifts for Christmas, birthdays, or anniversaries. It's THE BEST.  No worries about figuring out what he wants, or him worrying about size clothes to buy me that I won't find insulting. We just get to sit back and enjoy the day.

When we do give each other gifts (which is rare), it's because we want to or because we saw something we really thought the other would enjoy.  It means more, that way, whether the gift comes from Blair or a friend.

One of the best gifts I ever received came from one of my senior roommates in college, years after we had graduated.  Elie Wiesel (Nobel laureate  winner and author of Night, which is Oprah's current book club selection and which should be required reading for everyone on the planet) was doing a bookstore signing years ago of his autobiography. My friend, knowing my interest in the Holocaust, grabbed an extra copy, had him sign it to me and sent it to me.  All for no reason.  I almost fainted when I opened the book and saw he'd written my name in his own hand.  That was a good day.

Still, for those of you exchanging cards, candy, and flowers today--God love the romantic in all of you. Happy Heart Day.