Yesterday, a girlfriend texted asking if this is a good week to get on the apps, or the absolute worst, as Valentine’s Day is around the corner. I answered her text with a phone call to dive deeper into this. Personally, I think it’s neutral. My experience is that most men don’t think too much about this day. I, of course, do. Last year, I received a dozen red roses the day before, with an unsigned card. I have to admit that I wasn’t certain who would have sent them. I was dating, but no one exclusively. I took a chance and first texted who I thought they were from. He was kind of a big gesture guy, old school, and the florist was near his neighborhood. He acted like he had no idea what I was talking about, and for a couple of minutes, it was kind of awkward. He then called, laughing, and owned up to the generous bouquet. Phew.

So why does one day matter to some, and is dismissed as a Hallmark holiday by others? Is that typically a lifelong categorization of February 14th, or is it dependent upon the current situation? And does it need to be all or nothing? Actually, that totally lands. It doesn’t need to be filled with roses, although that was a great surprise last year, but it also doesn’t need to be avoided. It can be something, but doesn’t have to be everything. I like this. And maybe there aren’t rules. That actually dawned on me today. I was supposed to have a second date tonight. It was initially scheduled for the past weekend, but I needed to reschedule. And then he reached out today, shared that he now needed to postpone, and asked if this weekend would work instead. He actually said he’d love to see me for Valentine’s Day if I wasn’t already with another admirer. Super adorable. And pretty awesome to not intentionally avoid this day. We had a great first date. And good communication since. But obviously neither one knows yet if there will be a third date.

So like really everything, Valentine’s Day is inherently neutral. It can be sparkly and romantic, or quiet and cozy. It can be passionate together or a quiet night in, alone. Maybe it’s a day to focus on the many sources of love in your life, from friends to self-love. Maybe it’s spoiling yourself, or maybe it’s dismissing it as just another day. A holiday manufactured by a card industry. And maybe it’s the last one before the best Valentine’s Day.

Our second date will be on a potentially romantic day. And a second date is typically extremely telling. Maybe not in the forever way, but in the desire for a third date way. So let’s say, there is an incredible connection. This could be one of the best Valentine’s Days. There haven’t been a lot of those. Let’s say it’s just a fun date, but not a long term interest. Well, that’s still a good Valentine’s Day. I’m more curious than anything, and always think that’s the right mindset. Especially curious what he will have planned. We laughed about it today, as it is two days away, and who knows what he can find. Maybe it will be a picnic in the park. Maybe…I honestly have no idea. All I know is that someone who has spent less than two hours with me, is intentionally spending a potentially romantic day with me. Not worried about any attached significance. Just wanting to do it. That in itself is really awesome. What if? And happy Valentine’s Day to you. However it lands. XO