Choosing gift for new beau not easy
Dear Annie: In the past, Valentine’s Day usually made me anxious because I didn’t have a date. This year, I’m nervous for the opposite reason. I’ve just started dating a great guy, “Jeff,” and he asked me to officially be his girlfriend a few weeks before Valentine’s Day. We knew we wouldn’t be able to spend the holiday together because he would be travelling abroad. To tell you the truth I was a little relieved, but then Jeff said we should just celebrate it a week late.
Valentine’s Day is always advertised as a day of hearts and flowers and oversized teddy bears, which seem to be marketed for women. What is a girl supposed to get for a guy? I want to show I care, but I don’t want to come across as clingy or make it seem as though I’m getting too serious. Do you have any advice for a girl who wants to be a great Valentine but doesn’t quite know how to do that?
Valentine’s Rookie
Dear Valentine: You can be a great Valentine just by being yourself. Jeff ’s the one who made a point of setting a date for you two to celebrate together. He sounds like a romantic, not the type to think you’re “clingy” for getting him a gift.
That said, I can see how picking out a gift might be stressful because you don’t know his taste all that well yet. Consider opting for a fun experience-based gift, such as tickets to a concert or a gift certificate to a favourite restaurant.
And please relax. I’m sure your new beau is most looking forward to the gift of your presence. Anything else is just icing on the heartshaped cake.
Dear Annie: A few weeks ago, my beautiful 35-year-old daughter, who is also a wife, mother of two, sister, aunt, friend and caregiver (to the developmentally challenged), received a muchneeded kidney through the United Network for Organ Sharing.
She was first diagnosed 14 years ago and was told 10 months ago that a transplant was necessary. Although her husband and all of her immediate family members were tested — as well as several members of her extended family, friends and even strangers — none of us was a match.
Our hearts and condolences go out to the members of a certain family who saw through their pain and grief to make the decision to donate the organs of their young adult daughter.
Thank you doesn’t seem like enough, and I hope to someday personally acknowledge this family with our sincere thanks.
Our family is forever grateful to you, wherever and whoever you are!
A Very Grateful Mom
Dear Grateful: Thank you for this beautiful letter. It is amazing how blood, organ and tissue donation makes it possible to have our lives saved by total strangers. I encourage all those who aren’t already to consider becoming organ donors. Visit cantransplant.ca for information.