MONTH OF LOVE, INNIT?

Alas, it is here- the month of love. The month that hosts The Valentine’s Day. The month for red, pink, flowers, chocolates and gifts. And for us, faithful Catholics – it is the month in which lent starts, the season in which we are reminded of humility, and that to dust we shall return. Quite a somber month for us- but for the rest of y’all – Happy month of love in advance! Valentine’s is coming – where is your boyfriend? I’m still trying to figure out why this month means a lot to us ladies, when you know very well that you will get disappointed. Anyways, where did Valentine’s originate from? What is the meaning of it all? What should you get your significant other? Grab your water and popcorns or ringoz- let us dissect it together.

The origin of Valentine’s Day is often unclear, tangled in between a web of religion tales, ancient festivals and cultural ideologies. The religious perspective focuses on a saint, St Valentine – who was said to be a champion of love, who continued to marry Christian soldiers despite a decree by Emperor Aurelius for that not to happen as they were needed in the wars. A cultural perspective talks of Lupercalia- an ancient fertility festival that was held in mid-February and is said to have involved some really raucous rituals – it is said to have influenced the timing of the Valentine’s Day. In the 15^th Century, many traditions had gotten attached to mid-February as the season for courtship and courtly love. This is said to have been inspired by the symbolism of birds beginning their mating season around that time. We all know how humans love a good symbolism.

Now you know the origin- what is the meaning of Valentine’s Day? This day can hold varying significance for different people. For some, it is a symbol of Romantic Love where people with Romantic partners celebrate the love they share. For others, it is a celebration of love with themes such as Galentines (Valentine’s with your girls), family valentine’s, friendship valentine’s and even pets valentine’s being seen as coming to play. There is the business and commercial aspect in which it is seen – with all sorts of products being sold during this season. There is the religious significance where prayers of love and faith are said in remembrance of St Valentine’s. This year – for the Catholics- the day holds more meaning with it landing on Ash Wednesday which marks the beginning of the Lenten season. So, it is up to you and your thoughts and beliefs to choose what meaning works for you.

There are so many ways to show those you love that you love them. I believe it should not be confined to just three days in the year meaning – Valentine’s Day, their Birthday and you anniversary if you are there. Love deserves to be given and shown every single day. First, life is too short – what are you waiting for? I think we get it twisted in the aspect that for love to be beautiful it has to be shown in the grandest and most beautiful of ways. This is a very narrow-minded view point and may be the very reason some people are dumped this Valentine’s – don’t act like it doesn’t happen. We all love material things in some way or manner. In some way, everyone desires little treats and gifts – at least I know I do. However, there is a fine line between delusion and reality. Why are you expecting a car from that man who doesn’t have a car himself? I am a firm believer of living within my means, loving within my means and staying in reality – and trust me, it reduces the risk of feeling pressured. If I cannot afford to get myself that car and even get HIM that car- why would I expect that from my significant other? Anyway, the car is a euphemism for any other thing that you may want or expect. TONE DOWN YOUR EXPECTATION.

With that being said – here is a list of some things you can get your significant other for Valentine’s if you want to go the gift way.

FOR HER:

• Jewelry which are a classic and sentimental choice, especially if you know your partner really well. You can never go wrong with a nice ring-set, necklace, bracelet or stunning earrings.
• A spa date complete with massages, facials and full treatments, or some self-care products – I am talking bath bombs, shower gels, skin-care products and perfumes and scent. You can pick an amazing collection of these products and package them beautifully for her.
• Vacations, get-aways, concerts – as long as it is time together in a place she has maybe desired to go to, trust me, she will swoon.
• Gourmet food and drinks – now this goes for if your girl is a foodie. You can surprise her with a basket of treats, a selection of wines, chocolates, a dinner somewhere or a home-cooked meal – that foodie will SWOON (I know I would).
• Personalized gifts – such as custom-made arts, photo album with your memories, words of affirmation jars – any creative idea you can come up with. Of course, flowers, teddy bears and such are appreciated too.
• Now, this list could go on forever – girls vary so you know her better, find something that appeals to her, be it sneakers, heels, clothes, gadgets – you should know her enough to find the perfect gift.

FOR HIM:

• Tech gadgets – and this may seem cliché but we all know especially if your guy is a tech kind of guy, gadgets are always welcome. The trick with this one though is that these stuffs usually have small varying specifications – so you could consult maybe your brother or cousin who is more knowledgeable so you get a more refined gift.
• Outdoor gear – especially if your guy loves hiking, camping – you can get him some new or improved camping gear.
• Check his hobbies and interests then get him a gift in-line with that. That will not only show your thoughtfulness but he will feel that you care about his interests enough. I am talking guitars, consoles, gaming equipment, sports gear etc.
• Tickets to a game, concert tickets, a camping trip, a weekend get-away – guys also love being told to get ready and get going. So, you know do that.

As I said, you know your partner better- so you are best suited to get him a better gift and a thoughtful one.

Finally, love is a beautiful thing. You and your partner know how best you show each other love – so love, love, love. Don’t be a boring partner – he deserves pampering, she deserves some babygirl treatment. And if you think they don’t, why the hell are you with them?

Alright – until next time, love and be love. I love you – you are amazing for reading this far! Want to give me a Valentine’s gift? Share with a friend – who will share with so many more! (For those waiting for the poetry challenge – I hit a pause on that – it is hard for me to write poetry when my soul is all over the place. Once I gather my thoughts, we will be back.) I am maintaining my consistency on my blog and on reading and drinking water – so you know, that is quite good on my part.

(Featured image source: <a href=”https://www.freepik.com/free-vector/two-flying-paper-hears-white-design_6556812.htm#query=Valentine )

Okay, Bye!