So this is love?

Last week, Eric and I went on yet another "date" to Target. (After nearly 19 years of marriage, we recognize that sometimes the best date is the one that will accomplish whatever is screaming for attention at the top of the to-do list.) One of the things we were picking up was valentines for Daniel to give out in his class, and, as we walked the isles filled with pink cards and red chocolate boxes, I saw a glimmer of a thought come into Eric's eyes.

Then he turned to me and said, "So... do you want me to keep doing the same thing I've been doing for you for Valentine's Day?"

"Ummm...  You mean nothing?"

"Yeah. That."

"Sure."

That was it. Plus a little chuckle at the end of the exchange. No facades. No hurt feelings. No expectations for gifts or grand gestures. And I'm very happy with the way we do things. He has never made a big deal out of holidays, but don't be fooled into thinking less of him for it. Have I ever mentioned that he does the dishes pretty much every day? Or that he gets up between 4:30 and 5am every morning so that he will be home before dinner to spend time with the kids? Or that he packs a lunch every day to save money? And never complains about his commute?

Yes. This is love.