I thought this was our first Valentine’s together, but actually the second time we ever met was on Valentine’s Day in 2023.

We were both nonchalant about it that day, though Eric told me later he did contemplate getting me flowers. He picked me up from my dorm and took us to Iona Beach. Then we went to a park (Elizabeth something) and set on a bench, and it was really cold. We got drive-thru Maccas and I tried my first Junior Chicken (Canadian special), sat in his mum’s CR-V. My housemate Rachel called me distraught from Portside that night and Eric listened to the whole thing.

Anyway, this is our first Valentine’s together in person since dating as we were previously long-distance. We booked too late and decided to go get pizza and then to a wine bar. I wore the long navy dress I’ve worn just once before on our anniversary last year. (Another memorable day).

To me, this is the first dress I’ve ever owned. My first maxi dress, a dress that feels like a dress. The first dress I’ve bought intended for special occasions, to look formal, and to dress up in. It was $30 from Glassons but still, this feels like something of a transformation for me. I’ve never wanted to wear something like this before. Though it probably just seems normal. Maybe I’m just getting older, finally growing up.

The pizza spot was vegan and we had to wait a while. It was yummy. I saw this cool poster while in line too.

I love how much time we spend talking. I don’t take it for granted. Just talking and connecting is like my favourite thing in the world. I seek it out always even if I’m reserved or shy or whatever, but it’s hard to come across someone you really feel safe with, that speaking freely comes easily. That’s when conversations feel creative, you’re making something new together. Every friend I’ve been close to we spent most our time talking. Anything could happen and it’s just so fun.

The inside of the wine bar was really red. Like really red. I felt like I was in Blade Runner and it made our vision hazy. We got mussels and bread and later some fries even though we were so full from the moment we walked in.

Highlight of the night was Eric smashing a wine glass with his fist. He was reaching out to hold my hand. We left pretty soon after that.