Doing Valentine's Day Right
Start writing a post
Entertainment

Doing Valentine's Day Right

What Happened To Tradition?

34
Doing Valentine's Day Right

In the weeks prior to Valentine's Day, the aisles of stores begin to fill with heart-shaped boxes of chocolates, bouquets of red roses, and large, overpriced teddy bears. Social media then begins to fill with pictures of couples, statuses about being "forever alone," or messages suggesting a hangout with a "friend" to Netflix 'n Chill. As I was lucky to spend another New Year with my great-grandparents, I was reminded just how much romantic culture has changed over the past sixty-five years.

When did dates to drive-in movies turn into sessions to binge-watch television shows and hookup? It's a good thing my great-grandparents aren't tuned into social media because they would be so utterly disappointed with how romanticism has evolved. I was privileged to be able to see how my great-grandfather, even after sixty-five years of marriage and dating previously, continued to show how he truly loved her every single day of their lives together. When my great-grandmother drove, he would always warm up her car and pump gas for her; she never ever had to pump her own gas. Even well into his eighties, he still continues to drive her to breakfast, lunch, or dinner since cooking big meals has become difficult for her. He never fails to open every door that presents itself in front of her. He doesn't hesitate to spend every waking moment by her side whether they're sitting at home in front of the fireplace or she's lying in a hospital bed.

Nowadays, it seems that most girls' idea of a "perfect date" has gone from your significant other, picking you up with flowers on your doorstep to showing up with a Crunchwrap from Taco Bell. This isn't to say that food isn't a wonderful gesture because it is; however, there's something deeper and timeless in my opinion when you open your door to find a dozen red roses.

As time has gone on and generations have become more casual, we seem to have forgotten the appeal of showing your significant other that they're truly, madly, and deeply loved. While it may be easier to simply show up with takeout and scroll through a selection of movies to watch, it means so much more to be unafraid of going "old-school." Although drive-in movies are rare, opening the doors for your significant other when you take them on a date shouldn't be. I'm lucky to have my great-grandparents in my life, especially as I get older and see what it's like to be truly loved by another. I'm lucky to see how my great-grandfather treats the woman of his dreams every single day from the time he wakes up until the time he goes to sleep. Through my great-grandparent's, I've learned what love really looks like, and THAT is something I truly love.


Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

57547
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

37065
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

958797
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

191293
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments