I’m so glad, Susan.

Dear Infran, I think that everyone experiences holidays differently. But if you grew up in an emotionally neglectful family, it can predispose you to finding Valentine’s Day meaningless or scary or annoying. Thanks for sharing!

But then again, come to think, pretty much ALL holidays feel that way to me: a day where everyone blindly and automatically follows tradition with no emotional attachment to it, just because of social pressures and whatnot. And I guess – at least to me – Valentine’s Day has gotten less attention than, say, Christmas. ^_^; It almost feels like Thanksgiving gets more attention, and everyone considers it the holiday that stores and such skip over. =/

Granted, I’m not sure how much of this is personal experience and not common, but still.

It sounds like you’ve done some important work, Carl. Happy Valentine’s Day to you and your wife!

Most has faded just by learning to be myself and via my wife, who confronts my shut down side clearly and without charging at me. I am still learning to listen! Simply learning to smile has been a huge help too!

Thank you for writing this!!!