Some call it a "forced" holiday. I've have frequently lamented the commercialism of the day. But, I have never discounted taking a day to recognize someone special in my life. And, I admit I enjoy being the recipient of Valentine's Day presents. Like the ones in the picture below.
I left out the candy and card from my husband. But, aren't these bears adorable?
The flowers are so pretty and fragrant.
Ahhhh.... Bliss. I do love a mixed arrangement.
If Valentine's Day was the ONLY time he ever acknowledged our love, I would not be a happily married woman. But, he shows me every day how much he cares and treasures our relationship.
It's in the everyday things, like taking the trash to the curb, getting up early on Saturday morning to take a teen somewhere and letting me sleep in, making coffee and bringing me a cup in bed on Sunday morning to help me wake up, the kiss goodbye before he leaves, the kiss hello as soon as he comes home or a surprise hug while I am cooking.
But, most of all, he takes time for me. To talk with me. To really listen. We have great conversations. It's one of the many reasons I fell in love with him. I love talking to him, listening to his ideas and sharing mine. Talking about our hopes and dreams. Sharing our past adventures and misadventures.
Friday night, he left his phone in the car, mine stayed in my purse available if the boys had a cooking question or emergency. As we waited for our turn to be seated in the restaurant, we held hands and chatted and enjoyed one of our favorite pastimes, people watching.
We noticed something about almost every couple there. They walked up hand in hand, looking so loving and happy, wearing their Valentine's Day best. Almost as soon as they sat down in the waiting area prior to being seated in the restaurant, they separated almost turning back to back as they pulled out their smart phones and began to "talk" to other people.
Once inside, we watched people at the surrounding tables. Almost, without exception, the younger the couples, the more likely they were to have their phones out and less time was spent talking with their real live, in person companion. Not only were they not engaging with their date, they didn't seem happy.
However, the older the couple, the more engaged they were with each other. The happier they seemed. And, no phones or other electronics were seen. They talked to each other. They seemed to enjoy each other's company. They smiled more. They looked in each other's eyes while talking. They were having a great time together.
My hubby and I watched and discussed what we were seeing around us. It made us glad we have made it a point to ban our phones and other electronic devices at certain times, not only with each other, but with our family as a whole.
How do we do this?
We have an electronic free dinner table. We sit at the table, eat and talk together as a family, discussing our day, politics, religion and everything in between.
Some days we will gather in front of the tv for dinner, but those are generally few and far between. And, even then, the tv is the only electronic device allowed. We still engage each other in conversation.
Our weekends aren't electronics free. But, we do make an effort to spend less time on-line. It's our family time and we guard it closely.
Do you have times when you ban electronics from your life? How do you continue to grow with your family? Do you feel like conversation is a lost art in your home? your relationships? you life in general? Do you plan to make changes? How? When?
Time for a cup of coffee and conversation.
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