Dear Abby on uExpress

previous date | next date

MAN WHO CAN'T SAY THE WORDS WRITES VALENTINE FROM HIS HEART

DEAR ABBY: Like many men, I often find myself reticent in the "I love you" department. So I wrote my wife the following poem for Valentine's Day to make up for it. -- ROY HARRIS, NEW BOSTON, TEXAS

DEAR ROY: Not all men have a way with words. I was touched by your sentiments, as I'm sure many of my readers will be.

WHAT MATTERS MOST OF ALL

I go to work and pay the bills

And mow the grass and such.

But when it comes to loving,

I'll admit that I'm not much.

I usually buy you flowers

On your very special days.

I thought that it would make up

For the words I didn't say.

I told you that I'd love you

Until the end of time.

And that I would let you know

If I ever changed my mind.

But that's not what you want to hear

You need more than that.

You want burning passion,

And I'm a little flat.

Life goes on, the days go by,

The months turn into years.

Some are filled with laughter,

Some are filled with tears.

But one thing that will never change

And that's my love for you.

Although I don't express it,

It's honest and it's true.

Lots of things that matter

Some I can't recall,

But having you beside me

Is what matters most of all.

I love you. Happy Valentine's Day.

DEAR ABBY: My boyfriend and I just became engaged. After we call our parents to announce our engagement, which family should call the other first -- the bride's or the groom's? Which family should invite the future in-laws' family and the engaged couple out first?

story continues below

I should mention that both families are Jewish. Is there a tradition, Abby? -- EAGER TO CELEBRATE IN NEW YORK

DEAR EAGER: Religion has nothing to do with it. Traditionally, your fiance's parents should make the first gesture. They can either telephone your parents and plan to get together, or if finances permit, offer to host a tea, dinner or buffet supper. However, this is a flexible rule -- since eventually you will all be family, no one should stand on ceremony. Mazel tov!

Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Write Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.

To receive a collection of Abby's most memorable -- and most frequently requested -- poems and essays, send a business-sized, self-addressed envelope, plus check or money order for $5 (U.S. funds) to: Dear Abby -- Keepers Booklet, P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, IL 61054-0447. (Postage is included in the price.)