What Does Valentine’s Day Mean to You?

[Alex Brecher 10,515]

Reminders of Valentine’s Day are everywhere from media to supermarkets and other stores. February 14 means different things to different people, depending on your relationship status and attitude. After weight loss surgery, you might experience Valentine’s Day on a whole new level. What does Valentine’s Day mean to you?

• Exactly what it’s “supposed” to mean. It’s a hot date night for me and my SO! I put my weight loss surgery diet on hold for Valentine’s Day.
• It’s a celebration of my new lifestyle with my SO. We spend time together, have a romantic meal, and keep it healthy – read how in the conversation below!
• I’m not with anyone now, so I use Valentine’s Day as a reminder to Celebrate my health and happiness after weight loss surgery.
• Nothing. It’s not really one of my big holidays.
• Ugh. It’s a reminder that I’m not where I want to be in life – either because I’m missing someone to share it with or I’m not as healthy as I want to be.
• Other. Read about it in the conversation below!

Mark your answer and explain it in the conversation below. We want to know how you feel about Valentine’s Day!

[JamieLogical 8,710]

My husband and I were just talking about this the other day. Valentine's Day is pretty meaningless to both of us. I think it's a chance for couples who maybe take each other for granted or don't spend enough quality time together to to remind each other that they love each other. But my husband and I spend tons of time together, are very appreciative of one another, and express our love every day. So we don't really need Valentine's Day.

[Luvin_Life125 558]

We have been married for almost 16 years and together for almost 20 years (yikes I am getting old fast!). We have not celebrated valentines day since before we were married. It

[borg/assimilated 576]

Been married to my husband for 38 years, don't really need Valentine's Day to know and or express our love for each other. When our children were younger we used to enjoy taking them out for a special lunch/dinner as they were our little loves!

[amponder 396]

I have never observed V-day but I thought it was funny that I saw a heart shaped box full of beef Jerky the other day, it was geared for men, but I thought that's be perfect for a Weight loss patient.

[ProjectMe 909]

Hubby and I have been married for 15 years. We don't really get each other anything or go out. Instead, my husband always buys something cute for our daughters and I buy our son something cool. This year, my husband put together a fabulous Protein, healthy, valentine care package for our oldest daughter who is away at college. She's concerned about the "freshman 15" so he wanted to give her healthy Snacks to try

[Dabliss111114 180]

Valentine's Day isn't that big of a deal anymore for my husband and I. We've been married for 10 yrs now (second marriage for both of us) and we're both so glad that at this stage of our lives we have someone who loves us unconditionally and truly wants to grow old together. We're getting there faster than we'd like, but by actively trying to be healthier, we'll have that much more time to spend together.

He did jokingly tell me the other day that he probably won't be buying me chocolates this year. I joked right back and told him that was fine as long as he brought me flowers. He probably will bring me flowers though because that's the kind of guy he is. He's been so supportive and keeps telling me how proud he is of me. That's the best valentine I could ever hope for.

[chasingadream 1,311]

Valentine's Day is all about LOVE….

I LOVE snuggling with my kids…..

I LOVE getting them a sweet valentine treat and knowing that I don't need/want it.

I LOVE wearing my new boots that make my husband turn and look at me twice.

I LOVE looking in the mirror now and just LOVING ME!

[CowgirlJane 14,260]

Single. Me and 2 other cowgirls are going dancing!!!

[lexiemustang 268]

So I feel kind of bad. I just told a friend that "I'm not really thinking about Valentine's day because I'm too focused on other things". Nothing could be further from the truth.

In 38 years, I only remember 2 occasions where I was special enough for someone to call me their "Valentine". I am somewhat dating a dude now, and it would make all the difference in the world to me if he would acknowledge me on Valentine's day, or get me a gift (no matter how small). It would make me extremely happy that someone of the opposite sex wanted to be my Valentine.

(not that it matters, but I'm pre op. No kids or husband if that puts it into perspective for anyone).

Edited February 11, 2015 by lexiemustang

[punkinvine 227]

Happy Valentine's Day... a great opportunity to say I love you to many special people in my life. Have mailed a couple of cards and have a little treat for each grandchild for this special day. Thinking about my sweet hubby of 45 years and knowing he is always here for me. We will sip a nice hot chocolate together... healthy and sweet! My Mom, who is 90, and an Aunt who is 97 will be getting a little chocolate sampler from us just because! LOVE in any language is a great way to start everyday! Our oldest grandchild was born on Valentine's DAY! He is my all time favorite Valentine!

[Healthy_life2 8,324]

I show my love for friends and family every day. The holiday reminds me never to take people or love for granted.

My husbands gift to me. He had my wedding ring set sized down. I can wear them again since my weight loss. We are now making plans to renew our vow's.

[lisacaron 5,075]

I enjoy spending every day with the ones that I love and cherish. Valentines Day is a special day that I get to be extra corny!! Where displays of affection, hearts, and flowers expressions of love and kisses don't make the world as uncomfortable as they do on say a Wednesday in March.

We don't spend enough time showing, telling or living with the people that we love. We might not think we take them for-granted but I'll bet that if you really thought it about that for a moment you might find that you probably don't say I love you or hug these people as much as you could.

Valentines Day is another reason to amp it up. Put on that bright red dress, a pair of high heels that might not wear on a Tuesday to work, put on that extra sparkle and paint the town red with my hubby.

I love the flowers, the balloons, the sparkly things that come in small packages!! Yes I even love the romantic dinners, champagne and chocolate!

What we like to do since we are both WLS patients is book a romantic dinner at an exclusive place where the food is decadent and the atmosphere is beautiful. Maybe there is live music or dancing, we will enjoy some expensive chocolates the kind that cost you so much that you are satisfied with just that bit. Maybe chocolate covered strawberries and champagne.

Maybe we will go see a movie together and snuggle up. When it comes to kids, all my kids are older now, and looking for their own special someone to share the day with, but I will still get them their favorite chocolate in a small heart of Ferrero Rocher, if they are at home we might make our own chocolate covered strawberries cook and have a nice family dinner together, but for me it's a day to enjoy life and love. Wear my heart on my sleeve and share it with the world!!

[IcanMakeit 1,318]

Valentine's Day is just there to remind us to appreciate the love in our lives. My husband of 38 years usually brings me flowers and I usually buy him a small gift that I think he'll enjoy, but we rarely go out or have any special food or drinks. I do love the sugar-free chocolates that he sometimes brings me, in respect of my diabetes. It's craft-made locally and very special (read "expensive" -- definitely a once a year treat).

[CowgirlJane 14,260]

V Day is in some ways a "Hallmark" holiday. I think it puts alot of pressure on people - especially women people - to have a "love" and reminds you when you don't. Your longing is genuine, but it isn't really about Valentines day, it is a longing for a meaningful and soul touching love in your life. I wish for it too. I won't settle though... as the country western song goes "I'd rather have nothing than a whole lotta something I don't need"

I am going on on V Day - one of the ladies is going through a divorce so single and NOT looking. One of the ladies is in a serious relationship with one of my best guy friends, but he is working. I am truly single and looking but that night out is more about that we love life, love our friends and love having fun. We can do this as pals and have a great time!

For this year, consider finding something to do that is an expression of self love and acceptance. That is good "inner work" for a pre op and will help you down the road.

So I feel kind of bad. I just told a friend that "I'm not really thinking about Valentine's day because I'm too focused on other things". Nothing could be further from the truth.

In 38 years, I only remember 2 occasions where I was special enough for someone to call me their "Valentine". I am somewhat dating a dude now, and it would make all the difference in the world to me if he would acknowledge me on Valentine's day, or get me a gift (no matter how small). It would make me extremely happy that someone of the opposite sex wanted to be my Valentine.

(not that it matters, but I'm pre op. No kids or husband if that puts it into perspective for anyone).