Love may be blind but just in case I'm skipping the chocolate.

Valentines day again, that glorious holiday invented by Hallmark and Cupid. Although I can be cynical when it comes to romance, I admit I rather like a day devoted to love. Of course that's most likely because I have someone who loves me, warts and all. I spent a long time getting ready last night and all through the process my husband watched me change dresses, stocking and undergarments several times. I solicited his help fastening the garters from my bustier to my stockings. He finally succeeded after much struggle and cursing and laugher.  I told him women who wore these on a regular basis must have staff.

After all was done I think I cleaned up fairly well, little black dress, red shoes, and the diamond heart around my neck pointed out an exposed cleavage unnecessarily. As expected, men in the room took note of it, but unexpectedly, my husband was the most appreciative of all of them. After a especially obvious ogling I pulled close to him on the dance floor and whispered, "I love that you saw me get ready and yet you can't take your eyes off of me." He smiled and spun me around again.

All in all a lovely evening with a wonderful meal of a lemony risotto with scallops and shrimp, the perfect band, and the regular group of friends we see every week. I was feeling pretty and sexy and enjoying the dancing so much. We sat down to recover from three dances in a row when I was approached by a woman I see on regular basis, but would certainly not call a friend. I was startled when she leaned down beside me and said, "You look especially beautiful tonight." I was beyond startled actually. I just said a quick thank you and then there was an awkward moment when she continued to bend over expectantly. I guess you might need some background to appreciate the awkwardness.

My husband, the kindest of men, refers to her as "10 pounds of potatoes in a 5 pound sack." She is not totally unattractive, maybe a bit lumpy, but her clothing seems to have been purchased for her size 4 teenage daughter. Not only is it too small, it is very skimpy and stuff always hangs out so much you just feel embarrassed for her.  Her husband seems to adore her as much as mine does me, but their performance on the dance floor makes me throw up a little in my mouth. He guides her around the floor by putting his hand on her ass. Sometimes he moves right on down to the bottom of her skirt and pulls it up while he grinds against her with his rather large belly. I know I sound like a terrible person saying this but trust me, I am being as kind as I can be in my description.

So back to the almost naked rotund woman bending over my seat. Finally she realizes that I am not going to return the compliment and she straightens up. After the surprise of the encounter the horror of the accolade hits me. She thinks I look good! Oh my God, I can never wear this dress again! I need to lose 15 pounds by tomorrow! After she moves away I turn to my husband for reassurance. "Honey, do I look like a slut tonight?" He laughs and calms me as much as he can but I cannot shake the lingering uncertainty. I sit there wishing she had said something nasty to me like she usually does when speaks at all. I make a trip to the ladies room and take a long look, but I do not have the gift of objectivity about my own appearance. By the time we came home around midnight I was in a better frame of mind but the first thing on my agenda today is the gym. Well, confession first I suppose and then gym.

Hope Valentine's Day finds you in love, but if it doesn't remember that there's someone out there for you. Maybe some one you already know, maybe the next one that walks through the door.  XOXOXO