January 26: Spouse's Day

We were just so delighted to have a day on the calendar where we could celebrate our beautiful and totally not sappy love as a newly married couple.  I, for one, am so deeply disappointed that there aren't more days devoted to the exclusive celebration of the love of two people in an extremely open, public and offputing-to-singles kind of way.  Thank goodness for Spouse's Day, which may very well be our only opportunity to celebrate our own feelings for one another.

Indeed, no such other holiday exists.

Now, for the most part, Justin and I are deeply private about our adoration for one another.  People have gone weeks, if not months, without seeing any outward sign of affection from us.  Sometimes, you see, it is almost as if we are just friends.

It's not like we refer to each other with pet names....

Never.

...or pose for pictures together...

Nope.

...or kiss when someone might see us...

As-if.

SO JUST GIVE US OUR FREAKING LOVE DAY, DAMMIT.  As a straight, white, middle class American couple... I just wanna know... when is it OUR TIME?

Alright... I'm bored with that bullshit.  I hope you enjoyed it.  Writing it was fun.  As was Spouse's Day.  The reason we decided to celebrate it when it is fundamentally a second Valentine's Day is because there are different principles behind it.  Valentine's Day is about romance and wooing.  Spouse's Day, though a celebration of love as well, is more about the long-term commitment and security of marriage.  I know, I know... BORRRRRRRING.  But not for us because we're obnoxious and lovey-dovey newlyweds.

Reading about the holiday, we noted that different things were recommended for Spouse's Day than for Valentine's Day.  Rather than physical gifts, participants were implored to gift each other with time and affection.  Things that take more thought, consideration, knowledge or your partner and time.

We slept in.  Obvs.  Because sleep is amazing.  And also cuddles.  TMI?  L2D.*  After that it was brunch at Las Alamedas, eating outside on the patio.  It was delicious and we got to sit out in the sun and chat for almost an hour while we enjoyed it.

 Mmmmm... Breakfast tortilla chips.

After that we went home and traded massages.  Because marrying a massage therapist is not without its perqs.  We planned on booking a couple's massage for that day, but we couldn't find a good spa that was open on Sundays.  The chain places are open, but they aren't really great a lot of the time.  It was decidedly more romantic to stay home and do it there.

After that we just spent the day enjoying each other's company - talking about everything under the sun and focusing on one another.  Here's the thing - as newlyweds, I don't know that we got so so much out of this holiday.  We do the massage thing a decent amount because it's silly to spend money on massages when you're married to a therapist (and he can talk me through what to do well enough that my massage for him isn't entirely worthless).  We talk to each other constantly.  Like.  CONSTANTLY.  And we go out to eat a reasonable amount.  So what's the point?

The point is - we won't always do that.  What about this time next year?  What about once we've had kids?  What about in 10, 15, 20 years?  I would love to believe we will still show each other the same consideration, love, and attention then that we do now... but there's no guarantee.  Life gets in the way sometimes.  So while we didn't personally benefit significantly from a day of love and commitment this year - we TOTALLY get why this is an important holiday.  More couples should take a little time to care for and nurture each other - that is a different thing than romance and it deserves a different day.

And, honestly, even if it makes you a little gaggy from all the sugary sweetness, we all know the world would benefit from more love.

*For those who don't know my obnoxious acronyms by heart, "L2D", which is my favorite, stands for "Learn to Deal".  LOVE IT.