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On The Cover: Happy Valentines Day! By Sally Kalos“ O ver the years (and centuries), Valentine’s Day has undergone various transformations, serving as a religious celebration, an ancient ritual day, and a commercial holiday. This evolution means that the meaning of Valentine’s Day is truly flexible, allowing you to interpret it in your own way. You have the option to entirelyforgo the celebrations, treat yourself to some chocolate or flowers, or express your love and appreciation for the people in your life, be they co-workers, romantic partners, friends, or family members.The desire to love and be loved is perhaps the universal thread that binds humanity. Physical love is often linked with attraction, while platonic love is rooted inselfless actions.In essence, love doesn’t necessitatebeing in a romantic relationship; it encompasses acting in the best interests of others. This Valentine’s Day, may we all experience the kind of love that prioritizes the well-being of others.”Love Story SubmissionsI Met My Husband In First GradeBy Debby HarrisImet my husband in first grade in 1955. It was an immediate attraction and preferred to spend time with him instead of girlfriends.This continued until we both moved to opposite sides of town in 4th grade. We lost touch with each other until 7 years later when we met by chance at the opening of a new store. We just talked on the phone until our first date our senior year.We dated exclusively for the next 5 years until we married in 1972. We celebrated our 51st anniversary in 2023. I guess our love story proves that “We were not too young at all”!One of my favorite songs I feel describe our relationship is by Nat King Cole and the last song lyric is “They tried to tell us we’re too young, too young to really be in love. “Valentine’s Day AversionsDebunkedWBy Kathi Holzschuhere all know someone who claims to “hate” Valentine’s Day. (Maybe it’s YOU!). Somehaters have even re-named it “Manipulating People to Spend Money to Prove Love With Shallow Romantic Gestures Day.” (WAY too long!) But, is it? Is Valentine’s an overly commercialized overstatement of affection? Or is it more about love in general? Could it be as simple as being one day out of the year when we express love openly—a day to give little validations of fondness?The challenge with the haters’ thinking is equating the day with money-- a waste of money. But think about it for just a second. How do you feel when you receive a card or note from someone expressing their appreciation and affection for you? Or when you receive a gift that says, “I’m glad you are in my life.” It feels good. It floods you with warmth and gratitude. How much money is that feeling worth?The other challenge with the haters’We Grew Up With Each OtherBy Lindsey AstonI’m here to share the story of Anjel & I (Lindsey). It was genuine love atfirst sight. I was 16 and he was 17. We’d pass each other in the hallways at school. I’d wear my cutest outfit and time everything perfectly to walk past him andplay hard to get.He eventually connected with methrough a mutual friend and asked me to be his girlfriend in 2017 after a swimming dateat the YMCA. We were young and broke. We’d go get McChickens and we’d sit in the parking lot, hanging out for hours because it was all we could afford to do. That never bothered us. Any free time wehad; we would spend with each other.We grew up with each other, moved in together after high school and we just got engaged this past April on our 6-yearanniversary trip.thinking is that Valentine’s is just a day about romance. And it can be. But love is love, whether romantic, familia, or friendship. It doesn’t have to be expressed with roses and diamonds. It can be anything that brings together those you love or extends love to those who need it.Stepping outside ourselves for one day a year to express our love for others can fill our hearts with joy. Giving love to others brings love in return. So, if greeting cards and flowers are too pricey for you, write a note, pick flowers, or cook a meal. Spend time. Need more ideas? Here are five budget- friendly, love-inspired possibilities.1. “Friendsentine”-much like Friendsgiving, gather your gang and share a meal. Everyone can bring something to contribute and share love through food.2. Handwrite your special people or person a heartfelt note expressing gratitude for them. Let them know how much they mean to you. This gift they can enjoy for years tocome will fill them with love.3. Take a hike with your favorite person and enjoy the scenery-even if it’s cold outside. Stop and listen for the sounds of love around the birds, the wind, the trees rustling nature’s love for humanity.4. Create a photo album for your loved ones- there are many online apps to help with this. Fill it with images of special moments shared over the past year (or years).5. Snuggle up and watch a romantic comedy movie with your partner or acomedy without the romance with your pals. Be sure to have plenty of snacks- popcorn, chocolates, chips, and salsa-along with cozy blankets!However you choose to celebrate Valentine’s Day, you can make a meaningful day without spending a lot of money and contributing to the over-commercialization of the holiday. Think of all the people you love. Then, let them know with a simple gesture.6www.stoneoakhighlights.comFebruary 2024