In the midst of my crumbling marriage, I remain determined not to succumb to sadness this Valentine’s Day. Fourteen years into my relationship with my husband, Jake, I find myself reflecting on our journey together. It all began on Valentine’s Day when he reached out for the first time. I was at my mother’s house, enjoying a meal with my two single sisters, blissfully unaware of the pivotal moment unfolding.
Upon returning home that night, I listened to the voicemail he left. His voice was unfamiliar, though I distinctly remembered our brief encounter. Intrigued, I called him back and we spent hours chatting, leading to our first official outing just two days later. Our romance blossomed swiftly, with love deepening in less than a month. By Easter, he met my entire family, and we shared countless adventures—canoeing, dining in elegant restaurants, and even skinny-dipping. After three years, we became engaged, purchased our first home, and married the following year. Our family expanded quickly with three children joining us, and for a while, it felt like a fairy tale.
However, seventeen years later, our marriage hangs by a thread, and the joyous celebrations of Valentine’s Day have faded. What once was a meticulously planned day turned into a mere afterthought, with both of us contributing to its decline. This year, we will each spend the holiday alone. But I refuse to let the state of my marriage dictate my emotions.
Valentine’s Day has always held a special place in my heart, invoking memories of sweet candy hearts and the joy of crafting cards for classmates during my childhood. Even my mother, despite navigating her own divorce, made the day memorable with candlelit dinners and thoughtful gifts. It was also a reminder of that fateful evening when Jake first called, signaling the start of something beautiful.
As I reflect on my happy memories, I also embrace the present. After a delightful evening out with my sisters, I feel content as a single person, grateful for the abundance of love in my life, especially self-love. Instead of wallowing in sorrow or indulging in clichés of heartbreak, I choose to celebrate with my children. We’ll enjoy Chinese food, exchange little candies wrapped in red tissue paper, and I’ll treat myself to some flowers and chocolate. After all, I deserve to cherish the love I have for myself.
I refuse to let the disintegration of my marriage overshadow the joy of Valentine’s Day. There is an abundance of love to be found, and self-love is paramount this year. For those on a similar journey, seeking guidance on fertility or relationships can be beneficial. Resources like this fertility booster for men can offer support, as can this excellent resource for first-time IUI treatments.
Ultimately, it’s about finding joy and gratitude amid life’s challenges.