My wife wants her flowers on Feb 15

[Courtesy Flush]

We've always been a practical couple. When we got married we lived very frugally, and always made two cups of tea with one teabag. My wife used to freak out when I bought her gifts, because she worried about the money (and my taste).

Over time, our income started to rise, and we moved out of the trailer park. Later, we bought and restored a house, and now we do well. We live on one income and put the second one (the larger one!) in savings. We continue to live a lifestyle at the same level as 15 years ago. We weren't suffering then, and we don't suffer now.

Point is, we're still in poverty mode when it comes to gift giving. Since gifts were a cause for stress in our early days, we eliminated gift giving altogether back then, and never resumed the practice. We don't give each other gifts for any occasion. That's not to say we don't celebrate. But gifts don't factor in.

"Needles to say" we also don't make a fuss over Valentine's day. Eating out would be impossible anyway, due to the crowds. But the subject of flowers came up, and she agreed it would be okay if I bought her flowers on Feb 15, when they're marked down.

I tell you this not to complain. We've met every goal we ever set, thanks to her. I'm just saying that it's okay to celebrate your love at a more sensible time than Feb 14. Let the unimaginative folks crowd the restaurants. Later, enjoy your quiet candle lit dinner!

We've also decided that, starting this year, our anniversary date is no longer sacred. We'll hit the 24 year mark this August, and we've decided the actual date isn't important anymore. I don't know why we had to celebrate 23 sweltering August anniversaries before we finally decided we can just go ahead and celebrate in April instead.

Lighten up on the competitive romancing, folks. You want to know what's REALLY romantic? Relaxing with your SO, knowing that you don't have to fight over money, and you'll retire while the two of you are young enough to enjoy your lives together.

So get you some marked-down flowers!

[formerrepuke]

1. The chocolates and V-Day cards will also be 50% off!.......n/t

[movie_girl99]

2. my husband buys candy the day after

because it is half off. I prefer it that way.It's much more practical.

[AllegroRondo]

3. I stock up for next year at the day-after sales

so much cheaper!

[MonkeyFunk]

4. I'm not sure

year-old flowers would go over well, but I admire your thriftiness! :P

[AllegroRondo]

6. The wife hasnt complained

much :)

[skygazer]

5. Good for you

And I agree 100%. My SO and I don't even bother with Valentine's Day (besides saying "Happy Valentine's Day") - we love each other all year.

Congrats on almost 24 years! :party:

[zanne]

7. The most beautiful flowers I ever got...

were picked by my boyfriend on the way to my house.