My daughter came home from school the other day, talking about having to go get Valentine’s Day cards. Ugh, oh yeah… that time of year again. I’ll need to get my wife a card as well, I suppose. I know how that "I suppose" might sound, but it’s not what you think: My wife actually thinks they’re a waste of money. The cards are more for the kids than anyone.

I’m quite lucky in the sense that my wife sees no value in Valentine’s Day. Her practical mind says if you want to put money into something, put it into the fund for a new kitchen or patio—not cards or surprise gifts that she probably won’t like anyway. (My wife is quite particular and would much rather get her own things herself.) On a more philosophical note, my wife would say that sharing "love" on Valentine’s Day shouldn’t be about buying things, but rather showing love in our actions and efforts (i.e., consistent with a previous Valentine’s piece I wrote).

I will get my wife flowers, though. She thinks they’re pretty and, when put in a vase, liven up a room, especially in the winter, after all the Christmas decorations have come down. Funny, my mother was the complete opposite: She thought flowers were a waste of money and only good for a few days before dying. Everyone’s different—and that’s an important point. Again, I think I’m lucky that my wife looks upon Valentine’s Day as she does. You may have a spouse or partner who does not see it like that. You may not see it that way. In fact, in my younger years, I didn’t see it that way. I would waste my money on stuff my wife (then........

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