Pre-Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day. People in love made me uncomfortable.

"It's a Hallmark holiday." I'd mumble.

There was one thing I did like about the holiday and it was when I was employed by Hallmark.

ON the actual holiday the store would be FULL of men people, buying those they "loved" an obligatory Valentine's gift.

"Procrastinators" I'd grumble.

"Oh, how about some fudge? Would she your loved one like fudge?" I'd try to sell to the dumbfounded man person.

They would wander around aimlessly...lost, confused and drooling at the mouth.

Some would fly right in through the door and grab the first stuff Valentine animal they could find. Then they'd strut up to the counter all proud of themselves.

I have to admit, I took advantage of them. Even worse, I didn't even get paid commission and I still sold the hell out of every single thing I could.

SUCKERS.

"Sir Would you like me to gift wrap that for you?" at a fee, of course.

"How about one of these great LOVE cards? How about this chocolate candy here? Did you know we made our own fudge? It is divine, every woman special someone loves chocolate."

They would walk out with bags FULL. I figured it my civil duty to their significant others to make sure they got every last Valentine sappy sap from our store.

I'd snicker as they left the store.

My adult life has been filled with skepticism about "love", the only love I have felt was the unconditional love for my Mom and my kids.

This year I feel like the high schooler. Giddy about a Valentine's date, blushing at the idea that there really is that LOVE out there that I had only dreamt about or thought true for others.

Hallmark...see you soon old friend.