Oh Valentine's day

Warning: I haven't posted in 6 days because I've had an emotionally crappy week so this post isn't going to be sweet, positive or funny. Maybe funny, but else, don't read if you're going to get offended.

I find it beyond amusing how people can take this day seriously. And I'm not just saying that because I do have a significant other. It's because people seem to kick themselves in the butt for not being in a relationship, as if it's the only thing you can do with your life.

Sean didn't send me flowers or chocolate all the way from England (even though chocolate would be nice), and I honestly didn't care - and I didn't send anything either. I'm a hopeless romantic, I'm all for gazing into each others eyes and cooking him a nice breakfast on a rainy morning. But it puts me off that Valentine's day is mostly used as an excuse for lazy lovers to show they somewhat care.

I don't like the expectations people get for each other. Where's the surprise in it all? What's fun in being pressured to do something really thoughtful just because others do it? I would much rather save that for a bad day. On a shitty stormy Wednesday after a bad day at work, come home to a home cooked meal (OR PIZZA), candle light and a wonderful boyfriend who'll happily snuggle up with you on the floor while you watch horrible comedies on telly. You don't need a set date for it.

Send them flowers when you think they've had a rough time. Send a letter out of the blue. Give them chocolate or other treats they like when you think they could need a boost. These things will be things they'll remember more. Because you could feel they needed to.

Also, "them" isn't just a boyfriend/girlfriend/husband/wife. It's your best friend, you grandma, your mum, your dad, your dog or cat or any pet. Anyone close. Please remember to treat them other days too. They'll appreciate it so much more than on a set date. Unless it happens to be their birthday too, but you get what I mean.

A box of us.

Being away from someone you love is extremely harsh. In April Sean and I have been together for 4 years. Physically seen each other for 3. But I never get used to it. And to comfort myself, I have a box of us.

The box contains many kinds of memories we have together. Boarding passes, pictures, tickets from places we've been, small trinkets that reminds us of our relationship, jewellery he got me that I don't really wear but don't want to throw out or give away.

Whenever I'm really sad or just miss him beyond what's bearable, I open it and look through it. It comforts me. It's a piece of home. Sean even has one that he keeps in his room. When we move in together we'll find a bigger wooden box and paint it and combine all over memories from when we were apart.

And seeing as Valentines day is around the corner (not that it's a thing I care about) I thought I would share this little cute thing. Make a box for your partner, decorate it and fill it with things that reminds you of them. Draw things, write letters, buy their favourite sweets, maybe put in a t-shirt. And you can tell them to keep the box and use for memories during your relationship. Can of course also be for a friend! And you don't even have to live far apart, it can still be a cute little present. 

Other ideas for Valentines Day, birthday, anniversary that have a personal meaning (that doesn't only apply to long distance relationship couples):

• 52 reasons why I love you on a deck of cards
• 100 reasons why I love you in a note book you decorate yourself (I did this myself for Sean last year. I wrote them down in the book and afterwards posted on our long distance relationship blog) 
• If you're crafty, paint a picture, draw some drawing, sew a teddy, cross stitch something cute (made the cross stitch for Sean and I's 3 year anniversary)
• Frame pictures of you together or the paintings/drawings you made for them
• Buy a book they've been wanting to read for ages and put in little cute notes as a surprise when they read through it
• Mix CDs. If your parter is a music lover, put a bunch of songs that reminds you of them or you think they'll love and decorate the front of the CD. It's cute and personal!
• Speaking of discs, you could also make a video for them and put on a disc. Get an empty case for it and decorate and whenever they miss you, they can watch it!
• Bake some goodies. Sean loves cake and chocolate - sometimes more than he loves me ;-) - and I'm sure any one would appreciate some home baked treats. Sean and I made some brownie treats, they are super easy and taste so bloody good

I hope this post was somewhat useful! And Seanie, if you read this. I love you Bumbum, more than I love soft blankets, kittens and puppies ;-)