Too many times Valentine's Day is about the guy courting the girl, bringing her roses and chocolates and spending far too much money on a romantic meal.
Although, in today's world of dating, where kids break up over a text message, declare their love on Facebook and Tweet their indiscretions to the world, I wonder what Valentine's day means to anyone?
A Valentine's Note to my Husband
For me, Valentine's Day gives me a chance to tell the world what a great guy I married. Dave and I met in 1991, in college.
We wore similar cowboy boots (or as we said to each other after it was pointed out by my roommate Melissa, “You have the same cowboy boots!”
We watched a Blue Rodeo Cover Band play at Tequila Willies, went on our first date two days later, and a couple of weeks later, Dave moved in with me and my four roommates who lived in an already crowded townhouse.
(But everyone was happy because hey, it was less rent to pay!) We were inseparable right from the start.
Each Day is Valentine's Day
Dave and I have never been ones to celebrate occasions.
We've always tried to make every day count and every day special.
When you put all your stock into making one perfect day, it is always a big let down.
I think that is why we never made a big deal about getting married.
We booked a trip to the Dominican Republic and decided to make that our honeymoon after the fact.
Our Wedding
We had just over a week until we flew out, so we went to city hall, filled out our marriage license, and were married the following Friday night, after work.
It's worked out well for us. We have never regret not having the big lavish wedding.
Instead, we have cherished the sunsets we have watched around the world, we have bonded climbing mountains, cycling continents, taking road trips and making time for one another.
We've enjoyed going to the movies and sharing a large popcorn, we love going for walks and having regular romantic dinners out. If we feel like buying each other something special, we do.
But not because it's a birthday or Valentine's Day.
Dave and Deb enjoying a beavertail
I am the luckiest girl in the world. I don't think there is a better man out there.
Dave opens his heart to the world and isn't afraid to let people know that he loves me. That is rare for a man.
I recently watched our Travel and Escape Video where he brought me (and everyone else) to tears at the end, when we declared that he gets to share his life with his soul mate.
Our Travel and Escape Story
He stole the show again in our Expedia spot when we said: ” I discovered why I fell in love with her in the first place.”
Our Expedia Commercial
What woman doesn't want a man to tell the world how much he loves her? I get that every day and every day I am thankful that he chose me and that I get to spend my life with him.
Let me tell you about Dave…
Not only is Dave sensitive and caring, but he's also a guys guy who enjoys talking sports and music.
Guys like hanging out and having a beer with him and all the ladies think he's simply the best.
I am always in awe of how everyone who meets Dave loves Dave. I am so proud of him each day.
He makes me a better person. I know that I have a lot of faults, but I know that when I have Dave at my side, he makes me better.
I'm nicer, I'm funnier, I'm more confident and I'm smarter because I know he's there to back me up, correct me when I'm wrong and fill in my sentences when I go blank.
Dave is an extraordinary cook. He is a whiz at computers. He is strong yet vulnerable. He takes care of me.
He puts up with my moods and my temper and he provides for me.
He listens to my constant worries and understands that I can never shut off my brain.
He has patience and will always stop what he is doing to help me when I can't figure out some technical error on my computer or how to change the settings on the TV.
He never judges me and loves me just the way I am.
I can never understand how I don't drive him mad but he always looks at me with love in his eyes.
I wake up to a smile and a good morning every day, I go to bed with laughter and spend my day with the man I love.
Thank you, Dave, for loving me and thank you for making each day Valentine's Day.
Ali says
This is so sweet! You guys are awesome, and I’m so happy for you that you found each other. Andy and I don’t bother with Valentine’s Day and we only barely acknowledge our anniversary (last year we went to brunch & did a little day drinking) but he’s sweet to me every day & that’s more important.
Dave And Deb says
You are so right! It’s important to keep every day special and not put too much weight on things like Valentine’s day.
websolute says
good experience thanks for sharing a nice idea about Valentineday
Gregorrex says
I appreciate you for this wonderful blog! You have really inspired me for a Valentine Day gift to my partner. I like to customize the gift rather than ready-made. I have customized a beautiful jar with the help of KindNotes. You have greatly helped and motivated me from inside. Keep updating this type of blogs, Thanks a lot!!
bruke says
both of these are looking so good that i glad to see that they still love them with the same passion and the way they travel is quite different i mean all you know that travelling with your life partner and exploring the world
emmy says
your post is very heart touching ,i appreciate here if you have trust, honesty, true feelings for each other then every day would be valentine day ,True love is never depends on special occasions. it is very inspiration post to every one.
Rossana says
Love this, this is beautiful and very you. You are both lucky! 🙂
Angie says
So sweet! Dave is an awesome guy – y’all are perfect together! Happy Valentine’s Day ?
Batmunkh Bolor says
Nice.
Megan says
That last photo, where is that taken? What activity is that? Looks like something I need to try… Hahaha
Awesome valentines day note! 🙂
debndave says
It was taken in New Zealand at the Nevis Bunjy jump by AJ Hackett You can get a package, Bunjy and then go and do the swing. It’s the highest swing in the world!
Leyla Giray says
Loved this piece! I too have seen you two together and you do fit beautifully – it’s always a pleasure to be in your company because each of you individually is so dynamic but together the dynamic duo is complete. I’m not much of a romantic but – wait – after reading this I might reconsider because I did feel a major tug at my heartstrings. May you have many more Valentine’s Days, even if for you, that’s every day.
debndave says
Thank you Leyla! I’m glad we could turn you into a bit of a romantic because we’re a couple of romantics at heart:) thank you for your kind words!
Lisa says
That was so beautiful…! I only wish that I had written it for my honey!
You are both very blessed!
Gerard ~ GQ trippin says
Agreed. We’re supposed to show we love each other more because of one certain day? Everyday should be V-day. Great story you two. Even though Q & I have been together 9 years now, our recent RTW trip made us communicate and open up more than ever!
debndave says
That’s great to hear! I do think that travel brings people together. When you only have one another to rely on, it forces you to communicate like you never have before. Being able to share incredible experiences together always strengthen a relationship to. Who knows where we’d be if we never took that first trip to Thailand in 2000.
Suitcase Stories - Nicole says
What a beautiful heart felt post! I don’t even know you guys and I felt the love.
I too am traveling (nomadically – if thats even a word!) with the love of my life and I couldn’t imagine sharing this amazing journey with anyone else but him. We are very lucky to have found our soul mates I think 🙂
debndave says
Thank you Nicole. We are all so lucky to be traveling with the one we love. I’m so happy for you being able to live your dreams as well!
Nancy Camacho says
OMG ~teary eyes~ (trying not to cry while reading this) What a heart warming post! so beautiful and I'm envious of your happiness! you're one lucky girl. Thanks for sharing this. Happy valentine's day to you both (",).
Natalie T. says
I truly hope that I can be part of a couple that is as loving and supportive of each other as you two. What a heartwarming post! Love you guys – now you’re going to make me cry! xoxox
debndave says
Thank you Natalie! You’re fantastic and I know when you do, he’ll be the lucky one!
Lorenzo says
Maybe it’s only me, but it sounds like superman has nothing on Dave.
debndave says
Haha, You are absolutely right. In my eyes, Dave is the tops of all the superheroes
:-)Lauren Haunani Nicholl says
(Trying not to cry at work…) I absolutely love this. You two are an incredible model of love, marriage, and happiness. Happy Valentine's to you both!
Tanya says
What a great tribute to your husband! Its nice to hear stories of couples in love like this. Happy Valentines day 🙂
debndave says
Thanks Tanya, Dave is always doing such wonderful things for me, I really wanted to pay him a tribute. Valentine’s Day seemed like a good time to do it.Happy Valentines day to you too!
Marlys says
A couple who ziplines, do safaris and jump into arctic waters together will stay looooong together. May you have more adventures together!
debndave says
Thanks Marlys, yes, I think that doing adventures together definitely keeps the spark going strong.
Jennifer says
What a great love letter! You’re one lucky gal, Deb!
debndave says
Thank you Jennifer! I’ve also seen you and Tim together, you have a very special guy and relationship as well. It’s so amazing to meet other couple’s who love each other and prove that happy marriages aren’t a dying breed.
Chris Owen says
OMG Deb this is fabulous.
C.C. Chapman says
I love that you wrote this. Having seen you two together I know how much you love each other and it reminds me so much of Laura and I.
Hope that wherever you are in the world today you find some quiet time away from the craziness of life.
*hugs* to you both.