If you are looking forward to St. Valentine’s Day, as I am, you might wonder who to thank for this most romantic of days.  Through the miracle of Google and Wikipedia I have discovered that you should send a card to Geoffrey Chaucer.

The “first recorded association of Valentine’s Day with romantic love is in Parlement of Foules (1382) by Geoffrey Chaucer.”

In those days, when spelling was a free-for-all, here is what Chaucer wrote:

For this was on seynt Volantynys day
Whan euery bryd comyth there to chese his make.

[“For this was on St. Valentine’s Day, when every bird cometh there to choose his mate.”]

Enough history.  Fast forward to now.  The sentiments expressed in most Valentine’s Day cards tend toward insecurity.  “Will you be my Valentine?”  “Please be my Valentine.”  “I miss you, Valentine.”

I suggest that you take a more direct and confident approach.

YOU ARE MY VALENTINE

Every woman wants to hear that.  So does every man.  No guessing, no game playing, just a candid and definitive declaration.

When I was in law school, after a full year in a contracts class, the professor revealed that the real secret to crafting a binding contract was to state at the end of the written document: “And I mean it, gosh darn it.”  (I paraphrase.)

So you might add to your simple statement some inspiring words like “I love you.” A dozen red roses, or candy, would also be a nice touch.

You could even be a contrarian and recognize that a Valentine’s Day card is much more unusual, and even more appreciated, on any other day of the year.

My wife likes to start celebrating a few days early, so I’m busy for the rest of the evening.  I’ll see you at Easter, bunny.

Alan