I worked at a Hallmark store in my hometown over the summer. As I'm sure you can imagine, working at a Hallmark means selling a lot of cards, and a lot of interaction with the customers that come into the store. Everyone who comes in has a specific reason for being there, and I thoroughly enjoyed hearing these stories. My favorite story actually didn't happen to me personally, but it was definitely the one that stuck with me the most.
I was working with one of my managers one night, and she told me a story about a couple that had come into the store earlier that week. While working a few days earlier, my manager had assisted a young woman buying a Woodwick candle. While checking out, the woman had mentioned that the candle was for her husband and that it was their anniversary coming up. She paid for the candle and left the store. Later that day, a young man entered the store looking for Woodwick candles. He, too, bought a candle, checked out, and continued on with his day.
Recommended for you
A couple days later, the same two people came into the store again. This time, together. My manager was working that day as well, so she recognized them as they approached the counter. My manager asked if they needed assistance, and they explained that they needed to return a candle. My manager asked what the reason was for returning the candle, and they explained that they had bought each other the exact same candle for their anniversary, and that they would like to return one of them. They got their money back, and went on their way.
As my manager finished telling me the story and went on to help a customer,I couldn't help but take in what I had heard. Out of all the scents in the entire store, this couple picked the exact same one to give each other as a gift.
Maybe this is the hopeless romantic inside me rising to the surface, and perhaps this event was just some happy coincidence, but I found this small act to be incredibly inspiring.
I think that we categorize "relationship goals" as being these grand gestures and expensive dates with money spent on materialistic gifts. We act as though these "goals" are something that everyone envies and strives for. Couples post on Twitter or Instagram about the bank-breaking present that they received from their significant other, and that they're lucky to be with someone "so thoughtful."
Sure, I am absolutely guilty of this, but as I've grown older I've realized a few things about what "relationships goals" truly means. These "thoughtful" gifts that you see posted on social media are generally unrealistic and typically have minimal meaning behind them. The best gifts are the gifts that are given with thought and purpose, such as "I saw this and thought of you" or "I think this would look really great on you." Gifts should be given as a way to show your appreciation and love for the person you're with. After this story, I think true "relationship goals" are two people who know each other better than they know themselves.
At the end of the day, I hope each and every one of us finds the person who will buy us our favorite candle.
