(Signed, the Woman Who Does Flowers at Costco)

Let’s just get this out of the way.

I do flowers at Costco.

Which means Valentine’s Day doesn’t make me feel romantic — it makes me feel nauseous.

By the time February 14th rolls around, I have handled approximately:

• One million red roses
• An aggressive amount of baby’s breath
• Enough cellophane to wrap a small car
• And men panic-buying flowers at 6:42 p.m. like it’s a competitive sport

There is nothing sexy about watching someone grab a dozen roses the way you grab paper towels during a hurricane.

Nothing.

Valentine’s Day, from my vantage point, is not candlelight and love notes. It’s forklifts, pallets, wilted expectations, and the unmistakable scent of floral desperation.

So no — when I clock out, I am not dreaming of romance.

I am dreaming of sweatpants, silence, and a dog who doesn’t wait until the last minute to prove he loves me.

Enter Gus.

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Gus Is My Valentine (And Frankly, He’s Set the Bar Very High)

Gus greets me like I’ve been gone for years when I leave the room for three minutes. He thinks I’m beautiful in sweatpants. He listens attentively to my rants. He offers unwavering emotional support in exchange for snacks.

This is what a healthy relationship looks like, ladies.

On Valentine’s Day, Gus and I don’t need reservations or fancy plans. We have a routine that works beautifully:

• A long walk (weather permitting)
• A cozy evening at home
• Snacks for both of us
• Zero expectations
• And absolutely no pressure to perform romance

Honestly, if more relationships worked like this, the divorce rate would plummet.

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Gus Has Opinions About Valentine’s Day

If Gus could talk, I imagine this is how our Valentine’s conversation would go:

Me: “Gus, are we sad we don’t have a Valentine?”
Gus: tilts head
Me: “Do you feel unloved?”
Gus: brings toy
Me: “Should we be doing more?”
Gus: falls asleep

Message received.

Dogs understand something humans often forget:
Love isn’t complicated.
It’s consistent.
It shows up.
It doesn’t keep score.

Also, love involves snacks.

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Valentine’s Day Over 50: The Glow-Up Nobody Talks About

Here’s the secret no one tells you:

Valentine’s Day over 50 is actually… better.

There’s a freedom that comes with age. A lightness. A realization that love doesn’t have to arrive wrapped in red cellophane on February 14th to be real or meaningful.

At this stage in life:

• I buy my own flowers (and they’re exactly the ones I want)
• I eat the chocolate I like (dark, salty, sophisticated — like me)
• I don’t wait for permission to enjoy myself
• And I don’t measure my happiness by someone else’s effort

Instead of asking, “Will someone make me feel special today?”
I ask, “What would make today feel good for me?”

That’s growth.

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Redefining Valentine’s Day After 50

These days, Valentine’s Day isn’t about romance — it’s about intention. Let’s talk about my Valentine’s Day essentials — the things I buy myself because I no longer wait for permission.

Sometimes that looks like: 💕 My Over-50 Valentine Must-Haves (Because I’m the Main Character)

• 1. Luxe Pajamas (That I Wear All Day) Romance is being comfortable enough to nap unexpectedly.
• 2. Weighted Blanket (Better Than a Situationship) Provides warmth, pressure and emotional support – without mixed signals.
• 3. Dark Chocolate With Sea Salt – I don’t want mystery creams. I want clarity and flavor.
• 4. A Really Good Candle – Ambiance matters, even if the only witness is a dog.

💕🐾Gussie’s Over-50 Valentine Must-Haves (And He Has Expensive Taste)

• Let’s be clear: Gus does not tolerate cheap nonsense.
• 1. Orthopedic Dog Bed (Because Love Is Joint Support) If Gus is going to snore beside me while I binge-watch romantic comedies I pretend I don’t like, he needs a proper bed.
• 2. Soft Throw Blanket (For “Shared Custody” Cuddles) This blanket technically belongs to me, but Gus disagrees.
• 3. High-Quality Dog Treats (Non-Negotiable) Nothing says “Be My Valentine” like sweet potato.
• 4. LED Dog Collar (For Safe Evening Walks) Because Gus insists on his evening stroll — and safety is sexy.

And sometimes, it looks like celebrating yourself — because you’ve survived heartbreaks, disappointments, reinventions, and chapters you never thought you’d get through.

You deserve a little love for that.

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A Valentine’s Toast From Me (and Gus)🥂🍾

So here’s my Valentine’s Day toast to you — whether you’re partnered, single, complicated, or happily unattached:

May you:

• Feel comfortable in your own skin
• Laugh at the things you used to stress over
• Love yourself without conditions
• And surround yourself with people (and pets) who bring peace, not pressure

And if you’re spending Valentine’s Day with a dog, a cat, a blanket, or a really good snack — just know you’re doing it right.

Gus and I will be over here…
Not shaving our legs,
Not stressing over reservations,
And absolutely not settling for mediocre chocolate.

Happy Valentine’s Day, gorgeous. 💗🐾