I have spent many wasted hours stewing in anger after receiving a less than desirable gift from my husband. I know it’s the thought that counts, but what kind of thought is really involved in an unscented purple candle that was purchased at the dollar store located directly beneath his work?
It’s my Dad’s fault really. He set the bar pretty darn high. He never forgot to give my Mom a heartfelt card, flowers, candy or jewelry for every major holiday, anniversary, or birthday. And he taught my sister and I that forgetting to honor our Mom with at least a card was a severe crime – punishable by extreme feelings of guilt.
So, to me, not getting a touching card, or a gift that actually took my likes into consideration meant that my husband just didn’t love me enough. I am embarrassed to admit that, but it’s true – I actually put a material value on the expression of love. I don’t know if it is the fact that my husband and I have been together for nearly 9 years, or if I am finally becoming a mature adult (I shudder to think), but I don’t care about getting gifts anymore. If I want something I am just going to get it myself!
This afternoon 2 little white boxes arrived in the mail – in one was a sterling silver heart pendant with a small ruby set at the tip, the other was a firefly pendant made of multi-colored gemstones. They were my Valentine’s presents. And, although my husband didn’t quiz me about what I wanted, he didn’t make a trip out to the store, and he didn’t present me with anything (other than a wonderful card that brought tears to my eyes) on Valentine’s Day – in my heart he bought me those gifts, and wouldn’t you know it, they were just what I wanted!