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“It’s just the day it is, no frills…”

Boy are you ever singing to the choir here! Having been married for 53 years, it’s not about

Valentines Day—ever!

This day of commercialism not only pushes unrealistic expectations, but negates the beauty of one

who has chosen to live a self-contained life.

“Some” who feel drìven in “pursuit” unknowingly framed Plato’s thoughts:

“Love is a grave mental illness “.

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I wouldn't go as far as Plato did, and I'm happy to know dear ones like you and R. who have been One-Plus-Ones for so long. Also very happy with my "self-contained life," though. So many different ways to give and receive love ...! Love to you, Looocinda. 🤗

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This poem makes me think. I can't say that I put much thought into the 14th anymore. I'm happy for others, I guess... Again, I simply don't think about it often. Valentines day is just another day to me but I did love celebrating it when I was younger. I also DO have to admit that the thought of it is fun. It used to just bother me though.. watching everyone else so happy, etc. In all honesty, I probably would love celebrating it if I had someone to celebrate it with. I figured it was a waste of my time to think about and just stopped thinking about it. I'd rather think about life, just be happy and live. I think that it's great for you to get your feelings out by writing. I wish that more people did that. Society seems to thrive off of the sadness of others. It's rather odd to me...

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Pretty much all of this. I only celebrate it by checking in on family member and friends and to wish them safety and security, emotional and physical.

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Thanks so much for reading and sharing your thoughts, MsTaylor.

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I liked the tone of that one, especially. It's a shit day, made up, another method to apply guilt in order to generate more sales in the most cynical play upon every emotion we have that is susceptible to manipulation. It is detestable.

Dave Barry, funny guy, said the best thing to do is go outside and find a small piece of nature and glue it to a card, write I love you on it and then hand it over and look moist but sincere.

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Dave Barry, showing us all the way.

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I am fortunate to be happy in a two-some (so many aren't...happy, that is), but I think the best hearts, the working types, are always frayed around the edges. I wouldn't trust a lace-trimmed heart. I don't think it would know how to get its hands dirty.

Thank you for the reminder that it is just a day. It's never been anything much other than that here.

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A little lace is fine for Fancy sometimes, but you're right -- it's the frayed-edge hearts that get things done. Thanks for reading, Elizabeth, and I'm happy for you being part of a happy two-some.

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Maybe Mandalay Noodles? And Tea Salad?

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Always a delicious option, B. ❤️

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Yes, I do! Frayed edges, like laugh lines, seem to be the natural outcome for a lifetime of loving. Grateful to be a member of the club.

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You are not simply an Observer - You have your own heart to share, and your poem is proof that it is designed to be shared with a world much wider than a single square on the calendar. Thank You!

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Each heart, lace-trimmed or not, has a story to share. Thank you for reading, Paul!

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Seeing calendars marked with such titles as 'Columbus Day' - Observed, I am thinking perhaps we singles should have an unofficial club of being the observers. Maybe we could wear deer stalker caps ala Sherlock Holmes and have a magnifying glass at the ready, or not. With merchants ruling the public's interest in holidays, no doubt they would soon have complete observers' costumes for each holiday. sigh I am perhaps the worst of heathens. I have always loved Easter without any need for a bit of religious trappings. Give me bunnies and chicks and baskets of treats with spring budding out all over and I feel in the holiday spirit!

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So glad you've found ways to celebrate Easter -- or use it as a reason to celebrate springtime! Thanks for reading, Sandy.

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Being one of those whose heart has become "not so much trimmed with lace

as frayed around the edges", I LOVE THIS POEM! Thank you so much & Happy Ash Wednesday.

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Thanks so much, Sulima! Our frayed edges are a whole Look, don't you think? 💗

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