I know it's dumb and silly of me

[some_of_us_are_sane]

but I can't help feeling the same nervous feeling when the heart campaign starts as I did in grade school. I acknowledge how immature this feeling is, but it brings back memories of not being as popular as I had hoped. LOL!

Anyone else feel this way.............or am I the biggest baby?

[Shellback Squid]

1. no, I understand your nervousness, many receiving hearts are long time duers and/or hugely active

I've been here since 2003 but still less than 10k posts but it's a great DU tradition

[MiHale]

2. No, not silly at all...

When I was in grade school…eons ago…you gave Valentine cards to whom you liked. The more popular kids, of course, received more. I am an introvert…didn’t get many if even one.

Then times changed a little and we were required to give one to each and every kid, only one…it blasted out the popularity gig.

Nowadays my dear sweet wife sends out Valentines cards to everyone…even the grandkids.
Back in the day, those many eons ago if I got a card on Valentine’s Day from my grandma…I think it would creep me out.

[True Dough]

4. Then this would be for you, MiHale:

[MiHale]

6. 🤣...thank you TD...

[some_of_us_are_sane]

3. Thanks Shellback Sqyuid and MiHale

You relieved my embarrassment!

[debm55]

5. You want to know something, I still feel the same as you. I took a break for some years. and would never post, just read

Last edited Thu Feb 12, 2026, 08:32 AM - Edit history (1)

I got the hearts with the membership. and was afraid I would not get any hearts; I would one to myself. .I'll tell you a story. I went to Penn State University. which had about 45,000 students. At Valentines Day they had a fundraiser for the Heart Foundation. For 25 dollars, you would fill out a form about yourself---personal question, likes, dislikes, etc. And the Computer Lab. would match your up. This was in the early, mid 70's before online dating was a thing. Out of 45, 000, I did not get ONE match, not one. I cried. How in the heck can you be out in the mountains with 45,000 kids your own age and not get a match. I donated the following years and did not return the forms. I was so embarrassed. But I met husband back in Pittsburgh. in September and we married in June the next year. We have been married for 47 years.

[some_of_us_are_sane]

7. Thanks, Deb

I don't feel like such a SCHMUCK now. (Funny how old disappointments and worries never really leave us.)

[debm55]

8. you're welcome, I think

Last edited Thu Feb 12, 2026, 09:35 AM - Edit history (1)

[some_of_us_are_sane]

10. Dear Deb... let me explain

I meant your sharing of your own experience just allowed me to feel more at ease admitting my own. I wouldn't have expected someone to open their heart so generously to my story. BIG HUGS!!!

[TBF]

9. I found this site 18 years ago -

when my now college freshman son was in a stroller, and we were walking door to door campaigning for Obama! Through the years I come and go, sometimes spending more or less time talking about politics.

Obviously right now is one of those "talking more" times. I can't believe what this country has gotten itself into.

At any rate, the more outgoing people, and those showing up every single day pouring into others, are going to get those strings of hearts. I've always been more of an introvert, so I just renew this time of year and run around looking for accounts with no stars and make sure they have one. You're not immature, you're human - and a valued member like everyone else!

[some_of_us_are_sane]

11. Very generous and sweet of you

to share those bits about yourself. I feel EXACTLY the same way so THANK YOU.