It had everything to do with a city boy.

And I wasn’t even watching with him.  But knowing that he was an avid Duke fan and that he cared about the outcome of the game made me want to watch.  And not just watch, but hold my breath as they ran back and forth on the court hoping to see those dark blue jerseys pull ahead.

Alas, it wasn’t to be, and I felt the pang of disappointment because I knew a certain someone wouldn’t be smiling in triumph. As I shared my condolences, reminding him that I too had recently felt the agony of defeat that kept my beloved Patriots from the big game, I realized that this was one of the ‘perks’ of dating.  We’re introduced to new things, new experiences and new interests. We’re challenged to do things we might never do otherwise.

I wonder how many things we as individuals learn to do or come to love because of a romantic interest in someone?

I can only speak for myself, but I know that I’ve overcome fears, learned to love things I didn’t understand (like football!) and opened myself up to experiences I’ll never forget.

Does that mean I’m going to end up anticipating March Madness with the same fervor I await the start of the football season? A month ago I would have laughed at the thought. Although I’d sat through my share of Bonny Eagle basketball games as a teenager in the pep band, and certainly understand the basics of the game, it just never seemed to be a sport that induced passion the way that football and hockey could.

But now? Well, I watched a college hoops game all by myself simply because I knew he would be. I have no doubt I’ll be keeping track of the games during March Madness.  I guess I shouldn’t rule out learning to ♥ hoops.

In my reality, romance was pretty much a myth. Or at the very least it looked nothing like those scenes in the romance novels.  After my divorce I watched a lot of chick flicks with the girls, still loving the idea of those romantic scenes, but knowing that it was all a fantasy.  Real life just didn’t happen that way.  Or at least not to me.  I accepted it and continued to get my romance fix in sappy chick flicks and trashy romances.

Enter Valentine’s Day 2011.  First, I’m actually dating someone at Valentine’s which hadn’t happened since my late teens.  Second, I actually had a date planned for Valentine’s Day. I didn’t know what to expect, but I knew better than to over-romanticize it.  It was just a date. That’s what I told myself as I got dressed in a new outfit and packaged up the chocolate covered strawberries I made myself  along with a few other little items for my date.  That’s what I told myself as I drove to meet him and even as I got out of the car and said hello.

And then something amazing happened. I experienced one of those romantic, straight from the pages of a Harlequin romance, nights.  From an amazing meal cooked just for me, and a private piano concert to sitting in front of a crackling fire wrapped in strong arms.  And it was all real. No, really, I pinched myself to be sure it wasn’t a chick flick induced dream.

And here’s the real kicker…I don’t think he was even particularly trying to make it an uber romantic night.  I mean, I’m sure he wanted me to enjoy myself, maybe even make me smile. But I’m pretty sure this wasn’t something that was contrived, if you know what I mean.  It all felt pretty natural. Two people, enjoying one another’s company and enjoying making the other person smile.  And voila! Romance.

It was an amazing night I’ll never forget.  My girlish fantasies of a perfect Valentine’s date came to life.  What else might be discovered that I thought were relationship myths?  Is Cupid real too?

I’m not going to go on a rampage about how it’s all commercialized and stupid. Nope, because I’ll be honest, if I were coupled up I’d be all excited about it too. How can you not be? A day set aside for lovers. My problem is I see these commercials and I want to be able to do something special for a special someone. I want to be wondering if I’m going to get some pretty bauble from my lover. But alas, yet again this year it’s not to be. No candlelight dinner and wine. No sexy lingerie and chocolate dipped strawberries. No night of lust and lovemaking…

So yes, I’m the Grinch of Valentine’s Day. Maybe next year I’ll have met someone who transforms me, but for now… Valentine’s Day sucks! I’m glad I’m spending most of the driving back to Richmond.

**On a happier note, I just may have found a new home. One more place to look at this evening, but the apartment I looked at this morning was very, very promising. I’ll keep you posted, but it looks as if this chick could be living in NC again by April!**