LOVE in 2009

Well- okay I'm giving into the conversation about our favorite holiday...Valentines Day.

I know...here we go. If you like hearing about stuff like this, you just let out a happy laugh followed by a "Oh David" , but if you don't- you just got up to use the bathroom and are wondering now- what to eat for lunch. Regardless, let us ponder a bit on "love" in 2009!

So when I was a kid all I knew about love was what  Mariah Carey and New Kids on the block told me about. Since then I think a few things have changed like- Its not all about holding hands and the homecoming dance- oh and sometimes boys like boys and people date you just because you have money. The game of dating has evolved into an art of "casting".  Like many actors I know- we date like we are up for a part in a fantastic movie like (for the sake of this blog) - Titanic. 

Who will play Rose and who will play Jack? We put our best foot forward. Grab the head shot we think the casting agents will like (we have many i.e. serious, pretty, athletic, comedic, etc.) and we head to our dates with the mindset of a Casting Agent. Who will you pick? Who will be best for this role?

In the end we eventually realize that all those "head shots" become walls in finding someone who we really will be compatible with. Honestly- we have more than one personality- we are not just a serious  "head shot" or a "funny" head shot. We can be both or more. 

I watched "He's just not that into you" this weekend and although the pic was (alright), it brought up something very important. The way we communicate and categorize people in 2009. 

In an instant you can know more about a person just by reading their Myspace or Facebook profile than by ever meeting them in person. Instead of calling people we choose to email, or text them- all without consequence or emotion in the message. Now, I'm not saying this is all bad- I'm just saying- how- more than ever are we ever really able to connect with people, when we cant even be present in the beginning of getting to know someone?

In my head I wish people still called and left messages. I wish people still wrote letters and sent them in the mail. That way you could see and feel the emotion in the writing. I wish roses weren't considered "cheap"  and lastly I wish people could like the movie "The Notebook". Okay well maybe I'm stretching it on that one- but seriously have you watched it? That is a great example of a love story!

I don't want to dwell on the fact that we continue to move forward and forget some traditions, but I will throw this word of advice out to the world: 

This Valentines Day, reflect on what really matters in your relationship. Weather it be with a loved one, friends, or family. Be conscious of what our world and country is going through with our economy and finances. Let those thoughts help you remember that Love "is not" and has "never been" about what you buy. It was always about the happiness and good that you can bring to another persons life. It is about all the little things, like love notes, walking the dog and even the kiss goodbye in the morning. Being there completely. Comforting when times are tough and celebrating when time are good. 

Love is very simple, so do your best not to make it complicated.