I know we aren’t a couple to do such lovey-dovey things all these time, because we didn’t feel the need to jostle with other couples to declare our love and affection for each other. As the cliche goes “Everyday is Valentine’s Day!” and I find that quite true, especially if the foundation of your relationship is built on solid values like love, trust and respect.
But a few weeks before this Valentine’s Day, I suggested that we should do something together instead of having a regular meal together only to head straight home. That’s kind of boring… plus I would be somewhat dressed up that day and it would be a waste not to fully utilise that opportunity, right? He was a little apprehensive about it, but I told him that I have always been the one planning for dates and stuff, so this time perhaps he could surprise me with an activity. You know, just for the heck of it.
We don’t do surprises and stuff, especially since we are practical people who’d rather get practical gifts that we know each other would like… so this time I got him a low end Celestron Powerseeker 70EQ telescope which we shopped together for… and he got me the Sennheiser earphones that I have been looking at for a couple of months, ever since Latte chewed up the cables of my previous pair.
It’s unlikely we’ll do another V Day gift exchange thing because it’s really an occasion to force us to spend money! We’ve always bought each other stuff throughout the year anyway so it’s probably not that crucial for us.
Anyway, he got us tickets to the Singapore Flyer, something that we have talked about going for a while but just couldn’t muster up the energy to go. It’s a nice surprise! And I walked right into the trap because I suggested the bumboat ride that we have been wanting to take, ever since the Singapore River became a reservoir. The last time we took it was when the boats were still run on noisy diesel engines. Verdict? I think The Flyer’s not worth the money… I’d rather go back up to MBS where we spent our anniversary 2 years ago, or maybe even explore 1-Altitude the next time round.
But I have to say that some of the best times we’ve had as a couple these 2 years, were the cycling outings to explore obscure places in Singapore. Just us on 2 wheels, no iPad and iPhones (although they were in our bags but we didn’t check on them that often) and a reward of yummy, greasy supper food. 2 weeks ago, we went to NTU to check out the cats we used to feed after struggling up the slopes but the payoff was awesome. The downhill rides were damn shiok lah. The chilly night wind in my face, the sweaty aftermath and the Power Nasi Lemak was worth it.
Later this year we should be going somewhere in Malaysia, probably Mersing, to stargaze where the light pollution is at a minimum. We’d be broke after Europe, but at least we are going somewhere!
So you see, there’s no need for gimmicks, just some activities… and priceless experiences shared together by 2 persons who are best friends with each other… and that’s all the validation of love we need.
