Monthly musings: how we show love

February is almost over and today I’m linking up with Holly and Patty for a fun Monthly Musings post. This month we are talking about how we show love, answering 10 questions:

What is your love language?

Love languages are so helpful in my experience. Mine is quality time. I crave time with those I love.

Favorite love songs?

I can’t really explain why, but Stone Temple Pilots Interstate Love Song is one of my favorites – maybe it is the college memories… I’m actually a bit embarrassed by this, like maybe I should like something more classical or romantic. But it is what it is.

Flowers, chocolate or something else?

Gift are NOT my love language, so I wouldn’t be upset if I didn’t get flowers, chocolate or anything else. But my husband likes to give me flowers, so that is what I like! This is the beautiful bouquet Kevin got me this year. He also took flowers to his mom and his aunt.

Favorite romantic/romcom movie?

Oh boy, this one may make you raise your eyebrows. I honestly don’t like romantic movies. I think they are such unrealistic pictures of what real love is, and they cause us to have unrealistic expectations of our relationships. After the initial rush, real love is choice, not a feeling. It is choosing commitment when life is hard. And it takes two people BOTH willing to make that choice. Romantic movies don’t paint that picture, so I don’t like them. Sorry, this is way too philosophical for a fun blog post! Well, I do really like Gone with the Wind – because those dresses!!

Favorite childhood Valentine’s memory?

I have such fond memories of our school Valentine’s parties. We always made the boxes, brought cards to share with everyone and had lots of treats. So fun. Even though we homeschool, our local group has a party every year at the ice rink and the younger kids still bring decorated boxes and cards to share, such as this Pokemon themed flashback.

How did you celebrate Valentine’s Day?

We go out to dinner either on the 13th or 15th – that is our general rule. And we spend time together on the 14th, but probably no more time than normal. We spend almost every evening together starting around 7pm.

Any love or romance traditions?

Does spending most evenings together count? We have a standing “date” to meet at the couch at 7pm. We chat, or we may turn on a movie that Kevin and the boys watch while I listen to a podcast. I lay down on the sofa while Kevin browses his computer and simultaneously rubs my head. I love this time of day and feel cheated when we miss it. We do also try to do an overnight trip together away at least once a year.

When do you feel most loved?

I’m getting a bit repetitive but I feel loved when I am the focus of my loved one’s attention. When Kevin makes time to spend with me, I know he cares and that I am important to him.

Big night out or chill at home?

I do enjoy going out to dinner occasionally, but for the most part I prefer to chill at home. On the couch. In my jammies.

Do you wear pink/red on Valentine’s Day?

Sometimes? I don’t usually dress up in any kind of themed shirt that you would only wear on Valentine’s Day, but I am not above wearing pink and/or red if I am going to a Valentine’s party with the boys. Here are a couple examples of what I would normally wear for that type of celebration on Valentine’s Day:

Thanks to Holly and Patty for hosting this fun linkup!