My dad has never been much of a talker.
Occasionally he’ll pick up the phone when I call home on my way into work, he’ll ask how things are and while I’m in the midst of complaining about all that’s wrong in my life, he’ll say something like “well… mom is standing right here and she’d like to talk to you!”
“um.. OK, thanks dad! Talk soo-”
My mom is already on the line – and as I half-jokingly/ half-a-little-hurt tell her that my dad interrupted me while I was bitching about the small inconveniences of my life (which I’m SO #blessed to have), she’ll say something super adorable like “isn’t he the cutest?” #relationshipgoals.
My dad’s not much of a talker, but he’s super into posting inspirational quotes on Facebook – I often feel like a lot of what he posts is directly targeted towards me; especially when it’s about love and relationships. There’s plenty of ambiguous yet hopeful messages written on postcards of flowers, a forest of trees, a tranquil waterfall, or an empty bench by the beach! If you’re a millennial with parents on Facebook, then you know exactly what I’m talking about.
As I was scrolling through Facebook (after staring at a tracking document on Excel all day -#blessed) I saw that today’s quote was written across a photo of a starry night: The moon shining it’s reflection on the sea, and a silhouette of a young, fit, couple embracing in the forefront. Wisdom was oozing out of this magical post: “Every day is Valentine’s Day when you’re in the right relationship”. I smiled to myself – knowing that this is my dad’s way of flaunting his love for my mom (who isn’t even on Facebook!!!). I quickly minimized the page and went on about my day of coordinating the cartoon world.
I couldn’t help but think about that quote for the rest of the day. And that lead me into thinking about all of my past Valentine’s experiences. It is true… every day is Valentine’s day if you’re in the right relationship. And every day is Valentine’s day if you’re in the wrong relationship too. In my marriage I had a total of 5 Valentines: the first one was filled with fights, tears, and screaming matches; and the other four that followed were just ghosts of Valentine’s pasts. We were forever haunted by that awful fight that left a bitter taste on the month of February. The teddy bears, roses, cards, and everything else that is the standard symbol of a day filled with love, was now just a reminder of this tension-filled, nerve-wrecking holiday.
Then I moved out.
And then I joined Bumble.
The first V-Day following my separation wasn’t exactly sad or hate-fueled. It was a mediocre Bumble date that left me feeling a little “meh” – which coincidentally is what my writing teacher thinks of my comedic writing! Last year’s Valentine’s Day was me looking for a happily ever after in a person that was clearly wrong for me! It was hopeful Facebook posts on cocaine. It was my heightened Rom-Com loving self looking for a story. It was a desperate, broken soul hoping for a new meaning in Valentine’s Day. In case you’d like more info into this hilarious date here’s how I remember it happening: https://themarriedgirlonbumble.com/2018/04/04/no-pressure/
This year: not a lot happening that would scream out ROMANCE – at least not by Feb 14th where our lord and savior Cupid Hallmark comes down to save us with his bow and arrow. So I decided to go with the most cliche ‘single girl on Valentine’s Day’ plan (no, I’m not drinking & watching Netflix on my own- okay the second most cliche route: a girl’s night out!). I have been invited to join a wonderful friend (who I was so lucky to have found through this blog) and a few of her single friends for dinner. I’ll be sure to raise a glass and to toast the two incredible people who have taught me the true meaning of love.
My dad’s not much of a talker so I’m not sure what my parents have planned for V-Day. All I know is that whatever they do will be filled with love, humor, and inspirational quotes- just like every other day.
The Married Girl On Bumble 