V-Day

I have always loved Juice Newton (isn't she beautiful?) and this video. (I'm sure she must have had fun making it.) Today, when I think about Valentine's Day, this is what comes to mind.

I'm sure every one us, at some time in our lives, has been wounded in love. Don't feel bad. Life wouldn't be complete if it never happens. We keep on trying because we must. If you even think about giving up, you send up a red flag.

At a party recently I was in a conversation about how hard it is to get a date when you're at a certain age, (say 45 or 50?) and still single. One of the reasons is we get more discerning as we get older. When we do manage to get a date it doesn't always work out. Sometimes it's a total disaster. But always, it was worth a try.

When an attempt at a relationship fails, we never regret having put so much effort into it. For in truth we gain a lot more than we lose. (Oh no! Not another learning experience!)  Love doesn't always (if ever!) meet our expectations, but pity the poor soul who tries to live without it.

When we are younger we never talk about past relationships while on a date. It's not a good way to make sure there will be another one. We talk about the one we are with, and the possibility of a relationship in the near future. But when we are older we are expected to have had some experience with relationships, and hopefully, something to show for it. In some ways, it actually gets a little easier, having expectations that are a little more realistic. (maybe more than a little!)

So this year, for Valentine's Day, I wish for everyone still single and forlorn to take heart. As long as we are still living, there is still hope. (and if you end up spending the day alone, you can still listen to Juice Newton!)