The following is a guest post from Adam Shake
Today is the day when we show each other that we love and respect each other. It is a day that is the symbol of the connection between two people that can not be broken by anyone, or anything else.
To help prove my point, let me ask a question.
- Women? Would you rather have a bouquet of flowers, a box of chocolates and a hallmark card with dinner out at your local big box chain restaurant? Or would you rather have a hand-made card with red crayon hearts, and a self made poem delivered to you on one knee while looking deep into your eyes, followed by a home-made dinner of your favorite dish?
It is not the things that are important, no, love is about the emotion. It's the emotion of caring that people crave. Love is an emotional connection between two people that transcends worldly goods. To use an old phrase, "You can't buy love."
Men, you can buy her diamonds, but even though the flecks of color in a diamond are beautiful, they are not as beautiful as the flecks of color in the eyes that will widen as you tell her, in your own words, how much you truly love her, and what she truly means to you, as a person.
But I regress. Love is a many splendored thing, and love for each other doesn't happen but just once a year. Love for each other is shown through caring for all people and all life. How can I, after all, love and respect you, if I don't also love and respect those things that provide for you and all others?
Love is also about standing up for what we believe in. We can look to Valentine himself to see this.
Legend contends that Valentine was a priest who served during the third century in Rome. When Emperor Claudius II decided that single men made better soldiers than those with wives and families, he outlawed marriage for young men — his crop of potential soldiers. Valentine, realizing the injustice of the decree, defied Claudius and continued to perform marriages for young lovers in secret. When Valentine's actions were discovered, Claudius ordered that he be put to death.
But if you are going to go out and buy your darling something today, how about doing it in a way that show's him or her how much you care about the world?
- Dagoba Chocolate is not only 87% dark chocolate, but it's completely organic.
- Flowers? We've got you covered there too. Local Harvest says that most flowers sold in the U.S. are imported from as far away as Ecuador and China. Why contribute to the waste of energy involved flying and trucking flowers great distances, when your local farmer grows wonderful bouquets just down the road?
- If you are going to get your jewel a diamond, make sure its "Conflict Free" by checking out GreenKarat. From their website; "Our mission is to provide an ecologically and socially responsible jewelry alternative to those who seek change. We want to help you, in some small way, become part of the permanent solution. Together we can make a difference."
What's says "I Love You" more than "I respect the world we live in, and want to protect it, for YOU."
Like we say at Twilight Earth, Environmentalism isn't about saving the planet, it's about saving the people.
Happy Valentines Day!
Photo Source: Lizzie Vengeance via Flickr Creative Commons License
14 Responses
1
pays to live green
February 3rd, 2009 at 10:09 am
I totally agree with this. Most women probably do not want a cheesy Valentines Day where you spend tons of money but is not very romantic. Making it more personal not only saves you money, but is more intimate .
2
Becky
February 3rd, 2009 at 10:36 am
THANK YOU! I almost think this could be expanded to cover all gift-giving. It's not about the present, it's about the thought and the meaning behind it.
3
Marlborogirl
February 3rd, 2009 at 10:42 am
Thanks for the article
As for me , I am looking for this relationships long enough ,
And I do beleive I will find that person
4
Grog
February 3rd, 2009 at 1:19 pm
Great post...although slightly Disney landish. Tell a woman that you got her a CZ instead of a 2 carrot diamond(when you propose)because you wanted to save money for OUR future. I wonder where that would get you.
5
Adam Shake
February 3rd, 2009 at 2:37 pm
Thanks you guys, for the great compliments. My wife and I are great lovers of the environment and lovers of life. I try to make that come through when I write and I appreciate your comments.
Grog, I'm not sure what "most" women would say, but my wife would think it was wonderful. I got her a "pigeon blood Burmese Ruby instead of a South African Blood Diamond" when I proposed, and she said (later), the thought is what cinched the deal. The Ruby get's more compliments from other women than a diamond would, I'm sure.
6
Carla
February 3rd, 2009 at 2:50 pm
Grog said:
@Grog - I it depends on the woman and it doesn’t sound like you found her yet. For what its worth, my ring cost <$2000 and I LOVE it. It’s unique, artistic and totally me (rose gold with tiny conflict free diamonds made locally). Money will be better spent elsewhere.
7
Comforter Covers
February 3rd, 2009 at 8:22 pm
I don't know about this. Most girls and I do emphasis "MOST" girls don't want a cheap Valentine date. The girls I've seen want it to be special. To make it special money needs to be spent. I've tried both sides of the ball. I've done the cheap date and the expensive date. Both were just as intimate but one was very boring...I'll let you guess which one that was.
The expensive date leads to way more fun for both the male and the female. Then intimacy with be there after we both have the time of our lives.
That's just me.
8
custom chocolate
February 3rd, 2009 at 9:24 pm
Wonderfully and beautifully written. Your blog is just amazing. I admire the time and efforts you put in this blog. Thank you for the advice, I will surely make use of it for this Valentine's. Your writing skills are superb!
9
wilson
February 4th, 2009 at 1:32 am
My partner loves Dagoba chocolate and she cannot live without it! Honestly, she wants me to give the Dogoba chocolate as the Valentine present than a bouquet of flower.
10
Meghan
February 4th, 2009 at 11:21 am
C5 company also offers beautiful, ethical alternatives for conscious consumers. Our jewelry is made in the US from recycled precious metals and ethically sourced stones. We carry genuiine lab-grown diamonds and gems, which are arguably the most sustainable alternative.
You don't have to spend a fortune for a beautiful ring you feel good about.
Check out http://www.C5company.com
Wear Your Commitment.
11
Promocijska darila
February 5th, 2009 at 4:20 am
Even though i find the whole Valentine buzz annoying, i could find some appreciation for it if everybody respected the tips you gave...
12
Custom Web Design
February 5th, 2009 at 6:16 am
Nice post. I like this post regarding valentine and some things are really fact in life. Nobody can buy love.
13
RecycleCindy
February 7th, 2009 at 12:24 am
Loved this Valentine's post. Made me think and reflect upon what is really important on this special day. Thanks for the reality check.
14
Spending Valentine's Day at Home | Focus Organic.com
February 10th, 2009 at 1:50 pm
[...] Subscribe via Email Valentine's Day is right around the corner, as we know from Adam's guest post, Making Your Valentines Day a More Loving Shade of Green. Some commenters believe that a woman is not going to enjoy a thoughtful, romantic day at home - [...]