Cathy Classics by Cathy Guisewite for February 11, 2013

LOL! “Mixed Message Week”!Seriously, stop, ladies! You’re giving women a bad name! This is why I am crystal clear about what I want (or don’t want or if I don’t care, it really doesn’t matter to me). Of course, I remember there was one time when we were first married and I was pregnant. I said that we’ve been spending too much money, so I was fine with just going out to dinner (I really was!). But then his work buddies told him that I secretly wanted something, so he bought me a piece of jewelry. We had a long talk about who to believe after that…Good morning, Cathy friends! Lots to do today, including finding a doctor. :-(

We always celebrated February 14th as St. Phoebe’s Day, since that was our dog Phoebe’s birthday. If you celebrate Valentine’s Day on the 15th, it’s so much cheaper. I got twice the candy for 1/2 the price, though he’s on strict orders this year NOT to do candy, flowers, or anything else. Seriously, I’ve never understood why people get all worked up—it’s just a day.

I’ll take diamonds anyday simpsonfan. lol Hope everyone’s health is ok lightenup. Happy Monday all.

My OH has never gone in for Valentine’s Day. Or anniversaries. And even for birthdays and Christmas, I have to not only choose but order!

A surprise box with two chocolates in would be amazingly wonderful.

Just taking the time to deliver a well-chosen card does wonders for most people. I put cards in the mail today for my daughters, my mom, my brother, and my sweetie, and I think they will all be delighted to receive theirs. Cards via snail mail are welcome any other day of the year as well, I would think.

Nothing terribly wrong, I hope, lightenup.

Have a great week, Cathy Clan!

Bad timing this year for a lot of folks who decide to give up candy/chocolate for Lent.

My husband and I long ago agreed on just a heartfelt card and a nice dinner out for Valentine’s Day. While I love flowers, it always depresses me to watch them wither away, day by day, until they finally die and have to be thrown out so I’ve always requested NO FLOWERS PLEASE. No chocolate either since I’m always on a diet this time of year and all I’d want to do is just sit down and eat the whole box at one time because I’m SUCH a chocoholic!!!!! But with Christmas just 48 days ago (51 when the actual 14th rolls around), we like to keep things really simple — it’s just so much nicer that way.

Hi, rgcviper!

Hello and Happy Monday fellow “Cathy” nuts. Hope everyone had a nice day today and a really great weekend!

For many years after we were married, I gave my wife something for Valentines Day – a card, flowers, chocolates (not all at the same time). Then I realized that I was expected to give something but I never received anything in return – other than maybe a thank you. I explained to my wife that the celebration of Valentine’s Day did not mean that men bought women something but that everyone showed or gave a token of their love. Since that time we have wished each other a ‘Happy Valentine’s Day’ and that is all. Well – sometimes one of us will cheat and get something small for the other. Somehow, this makes the day seem much more special than giving something that is expected – maybe even mandated.

Hi Cathyites!! We go out to dinner & get each other a card. Once in a while we might sneak something very little into the card — like you hendelca — just as a surprise. We also go to a Folky Valentine concert — & that’s the best!Hope all is well lightenup.

As long as I live, I’ll never understand these two women.

HI, MOM. Greetings, a day late, Clan.