Valentine's Day on "The Middle"

So, I'm watching ABC's The Middle this week and I can't help but to laugh out loud. It's a Valentine's Day episode. And, the mom and dad who've been married nineteen years and who have three kids ranging in ages from 10 to 17 have decided how they will spend their Valentine's Day together. They don't want to go out to dinner; it'll be too crowded. They don't want to go to the movies; they'd just fall asleep, and they could just do that at home. She doesn't want him bringing home candy or flowers; too expensive and no real meaning. So they decide to stay home and watch TV… in their sweats, but because he'll want to watch sports, they'll do this in separate rooms. They small, content and tell each other "Happy Valentine's Day."

Why do I love this? Because I get it. My wife and I never go out to dinner or the movies on Valentine's Day because everyone else does. And, I don't buyher the traditional gifts because there's no cretivity in buying what the commercials are telling me that she wants. No, we are not going to separate rooms in our sweats to watch TV this Valentine's Day, but when we get date nights, often we just like to stay home and cuddle in bed and watch a movie or read to each other on the couch.

I know, not what society tells us romance is. But that's what makes it work. When a couple feels close enough where they can truly express what makes them feel loved and cared for, even if it goes agaiinst society's rules, then you've got a couple who are at ease with one another nad get love and romance.

This Valentine's Day, feel free to do the roses and See's candy. nothing wrong with that if that's what floats your boat, but if yo want to stay home and bake cookies, play scrabble or tend the garden together, don't feel guilty that you didn't make Valentine's Day a Hallmark card commercial. It's not about everyone else. It's about the two of you.