Dietetically speaking.

So, it’s Valentine’s Day, and what I am thankful for is that it only comes once a year.

This is not out of some cynical dislike of Hallmark holidays or the grumpy bah-humbug-ness of the broken-hearted.  It is because I would otherwise not survive the sugar shock of those Conversation Hearts.

You know the ones I mean, right?

The little pastel colored candies with the cryptic messages printed on them?

The thing is, I love those Conversation Hearts.  Not the sour ones, or even the fruit-flavored ones.  I like the originals, made by the New England Candy Company, in the traditional NECCO® Wafer flavors.

Yum!

It’s no use asking me to just not buy them.  I have a certain amount of will-power, but, you know, I don’t drink, I don’t smoke.  A person should be allowed some small vices.

Obviously, there may come a time when I will not be able to eat Conversation Hearts.  Diabetes does run in my family, so I try to be a little bit careful.  But, in the meantime, I do indulge around Valentine’s Day.  As I said, though, I’m glad it’s just once a year.  (I know you can order the hearts year-round, but I let their availability in stores assist me in keeping my candy habits under control.)

I understand that NECCO® ran a contest recently to determine some new sayings.  Things like “Tweet Me” were in the running.  As something of a traditionalist where treats are concerned, I don’t know that I approve of that.  On the other hand, it’s a little piece of sugar.

Do I really care what’s printed on it?

As long as the sayings are not racist or sexist or otherwise offensive and as long as the candies’ flavors remain the same mild sweetness with which I grew up, I’m good.

But, hey, you know—go ahead and Tweet Me.