Valentine’s Day changes after 23 years of marriage. Gone are the days of dinners at fancy, darkly lit restaurants. Now, it’s more like takeout from your favorite Chinese place while you watch Netflix in your pajamas, trying to keep the dogs from stealing your egg rolls. And you know what? That’s just fine.
When you’ve been married for over two decades, love isn’t always big gestures and heart-shaped boxes of chocolates. Love is knowing your partner’s coffee order by heart and brewing the first cup before they wake up. It’s taking the dogs out in the freezing cold because you know they had a rough day at work. It’s tag-teaming the chaos of life with kids, jobs, and the never-ending to-do list, finding joy in the middle of the madness.
And, boy, is there madness. With three kids, Valentine’s Day morning might begin with a frantic search for that one shirt they must wear to school, the one that’s probably been under their bed for three weeks. By the time you’ve packed lunches, wrangled the dogs, and settled into work, Cupid’s magic feels more like chaos than romance.
But that’s the beauty of it, isn’t it? The over-hyped, Hallmark version of Valentine’s Day doesn’t hold a candle to the real thing. Real love isn’t about grand displays. It’s in the shared laughter, the inside jokes, and the quiet moments where you look at each other and think, “I’d choose you all over again.”
Valentine’s Day gives us a chance to pause and remember why we started this journey together in the first place. It’s not about how many roses you get or how expensive the dinner is. It’s about taking a moment to say, “Hey, I still like you,” even when you’re folding laundry or picking up after the dogs… again.
So, this Valentine’s Day, embrace the chaos. Laugh at the imperfect moments. Celebrate with your kids, your dogs, and your partner in crime. Love doesn’t have to be picture-perfect to be perfect for you. ❤️
Hey Dana Jane 
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