I am a very practical person. I know that isn't a bad thing altogether, but it can really sound like I am a negative person in some ways. Examples: 1. I like birthdays, but I don't expect much. I also don't even try to buy gifts for people outside of my family, except on rare occasions. 2. I think Valentine's day has gotten out of hand. Now it is not just couples being encouraged to buy presents, but parents and friends and who knows who else. I don't feel I need to buy a present for my son on Valentines. I also see this day as being an added pressure for some husbands/wives- "Oh, I NEED to buy something, it is Valentine's Day." Instead of just buying something because you happen to want to make your loved one smile. Now, I know not all people do it out of obligation, but even TV makes it a joke so there has to be some of that going on. If I were married, I would rather get something just out of the blue than out of obligation. 3. I hardly even buy card for people unless I am giving them money. Most people don't keep those cards and they cost a lot of money relative to what you get. 4. I am not married and never have been, but there are several reasons for that. My son's dad was a drug addict. While I did accept his proposal, I didn't go through with it. Then I backed out of another engagement. I really in my heart felt that he wanted a marriage more than he specifically wanted me. I think I was right also. He got married very shortly afterwords. I am not against marriage, I just see a lot of people getting married with these super-romantic ideals only to be disappointed time after time. I see a lot of people being too flexible with who they are to be more like the person they are so "in love" with. If I ever find someone, I want him to be the right type of person, so I don't have to try to put on a show. I really think a lot of people fall in love with the idea of being in love, instead of finding true love. Anyone else relate? (please, I hope)
1. Same here - we can't afford much so I don't expect much. :lol: And I don't get gifts for people outside of my children and my parents if we can afford it at the time. The exception is if my children are invited to a birthday party - THEN I do send them with a gift. 2. I feel eh about valentine's. Every year is different. Some years I have no expectations of DH and others I do. But I always make it clear to him which way I'm feeling each year. :lol: 3. I HATE cards. They are a HUGE waste of money. I make handmade cards - or typically have the kids do it - when we give gifts at a birthday party. 4. I am very FOR marriage for myself. I love being married and never once in my childhood planned on anything else but to be married and have babies. But I do agree with you that most of our society views marriage as a thing they can get out of when they don't "feel like it" anymore. Neither Jay nor I feel that way about marriage. I think you're right too that a lot of people are in love with the idea of being in love.
I don't think you are too practical at all! 1. I don't expect more than a "happy birthday" from immediate family. That is more than enough for me, it shows how much they pay attention and care 2. I would rather get flowers out of the blue than because he felt he had to because it was Valentine's Day. Usually we try to get something small but useful when we exchange gifts. He got a gun cleaning kit and I don't remember what I got if anything. I always get something small for my daughter, she may not be my significant other, but she is still the love of my life, everything I do is for her benefit. 3. I HATE cards. I origami money or stuff it into a toilet paper roll I've decorated and folded the ends. 4. Marriage is not for everyone and that's cool. Sometimes in EVERY marriage you just want to throw your hands up and move to the Bahamas, alone. But all in all, I personally love it and wouldn't trade it. I will never buy a stuffed animal, dollar store toys, or small cheaply made junk. Why pay $2 for a few months of use when I can make something better or spend a little more for something that will last years.
I agree with you 100 percent I think everything has gotten out of hand. When we were little we never Valentine Days for kids, Easter was eggs and jelly beans. Now days its clothes and toys. Wow I think we are losing the meaning of holidays and not enjoying them anymore. I talk to my girls and tell them what I do holidays and why. I think we all need to sit back and be thankful for what we have and stop keeping up with the Jones everyone is different
I know what you mean. Easter baskets filled with toys at the store. This only shouts to me that there is yet another day to focus on yourself (if you are a kid) and not the real reason the day is special. Don't most kids here in the U.S. have an over-abundance of toys already?
Easter baskets are for candy not toys, and my kids got one every year until they were adults and moved out on their own. Valentines not so much -- those are for sweethearts/spouses. We don't do tons of stuff, but for birthdays and anniversaries we usually go out to eat, somewhere a little fancier than Burger King. Maybe a favorite spot, or maybe somewhere we haven't tried before. Even the kids. Not so much presents but presence, ykwim. I'm not a card person, never have been.
