Vaseline: My New Valentine

Dear Vaseline,

I love you.

Is it too bold to start out a love letter from a near stranger with an “I love you”? Perhaps I was once a secret admirer to your majesty, but now I am adoring you publically. While you may not know me, I know you very well—and you’ve helped me through the past six months beautifully.

We met when I was very young, and I’m sure the introduction was pushed aside by both of us. You weren’t a necessity to my life then as you are now. You were a luxury I kept hidden away, on the bathroom shelf to be exact, one whose existence was only remembered when your infrequent use was called upon.

Yet you lasted. You are what gossiping women would call “the strong and silent type,” who wait idly by for purpose, and prove your worth 10 fold each time you’re called upon. I have never been dissatisfied by your work.

After starting the intensely drying drug Accutane, many people warned me to stock up on moisturizer and lip balm. They suggested CeraVe lotion, and things like Blistex Medicated Lip Balm and Aquaphor. I was naïve, Vaseline, and jumped at their slender physique and trendy color coordination. How could I ever have overlooked your burly and stocked-full demeanor? Will you ever be able to forgive me?

No one ever suggested I call to you, because they have not seen your hidden beauty and purpose. But your loyalty and lasting nature have not been wasted on me, friend. You help me through every day, multiple times a day, providing relief to the dryness that otherwise consumes me.

The life had been sucked out of me, in my cracking lips, thirst-quenching eyes, and crusted nose. Blood literally dripped from my nose, without you to quench my thirst. Do you hear me, Vaseline? I bled for you. I still bleed for you. Is that what it takes for you to understand the commitment I have for you?

For some pathetic others, a relationship with you lasts only during winter and the traditional “dry season.” Not me, friend. You can count on me all year long—to be used all day every day as much as necessary.

I hope it’s not too early or out of line to ask—Vaseline, would you be my Valentine?

Love always,

Sierra Gillespie