By the time my world revolved around third grade, I was already on the outside. I never quite fit where I grew up and everyone knew it. That means Valentine's parties at school were a giant ball of anxiety for me.
I hated them.
So much.
Would I get any Valentine's cards? Would kids write rude things on them? It was all sorts of dumb. (Partly it was dumb because I allowed it to take up space in my head. None of it should have mattered.)
Alexis is a very different kid, though. She looooooooooves everything about school parties, especially the ones that revolve around eating, crafts, and giving kind notes to friends. She was so excited about this year's Valentine's party that she picked out cards in early January.
Yes, I said "picked out cards." As in, at a store. They were like $2 or something. I'm sorry to ruin your image of me, but I don't do the Pinterest crazy Valentine thing. It's awesome if you do, I just choose to use my time in another way. Like, I might eat cake while you slave over Valentines. Priorities, you understand.
When it finally became February, Alexis started writing out the cards. She started with her besties, carefully crafting personal notes on each and every one.
But then she got to the boys on her list. She slammed on the brakes.
"Mom, I can't give ANY of these to the boys. They're too nice!"
I was confused, so I asked questions. It turned out she didn't want to say anything that implied that any boys might be cute, nice, funny, sweet, a bff, or anything other than purely plutonic and an arm's length away.
"I need cards that just say 'Happy Valentine's Day!'" she continued.
Her rules got harder. She didn't want any hearts, XOXOXO ... nothing. No affection. I considered ignoring her over-the-top request, but we're talking about $2. It's not like I was going to be truly inconvenienced if I grabbed another box while I was out.
I succeeded in my mission to find completely bland cards. That's what matters.
But what I adore is that Alexis thinks boys are icky. Can that please last about ten more years?