Valentine's Day: not for couples only

By Tania Fernando 

- Victor Hugo

So it's that time of year again when stores are dressed up in pink and red, and images of hearts and couples seem to adorn every nook and corner. The universal message seems to be "Don't you wish you were in love?" Drop in at any shopping centre and the music that floats in your ears is soft love ballads. 

You hear girls and guys talking about the gifts they have bought for their partner and what they are hoping to receive this Valentine's Day or may be the romantic evening they've been planning in some fancy restaurant. 

But is that what Valentine's Day is all about?

February 14 brings to mind images of roses, chocolates, cute and cuddly stuffed animals and couples romancing and declaring undying love for each other. Shops stock high-priced chocolates urging men to buy their girlfriends the very best and even the price of red roses seems to shoot up. Valentine's Day, most would agree, is turning out to be terribly commercialized.

But, contrary to all the hype, this day is not only for couples only. What about those singles out there who may not have a boyfriend, but still have someone they love and cherish-their mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters or even a friend?

Valentine's Day should be a day to spend with the people you love, a boyfriend, girlfriend, best friend, mother, father, sibling or anybody else. By broadening the scope of the day, you can use it as an occasion to reach out and show someone you care. Even if you are not in a relationship, use the day as a reason to celebrate and to do something special. 

How about buying a card for a family member or friend, or spending quality time with your kid sister or catching a movie with your best friend? 

If you are in a relationship, by all means enjoy the romance of the day with your partner, but take time to tell other people how much they mean to you.

Says Dinali, "Valentine's Day is not for couples only. It's a total misconception that only couples should celebrate the day." 

It does not have to be a romantic relationship; it's a day to show everyone you love, that you love and appreciate them.

"Why does Valentine's Day seem to have an attachment with romance?" asked Rozanne. She said that more attention should be paid to the fact that it's a day for declaring affection for those you care about. 

Meanwhile, Shanika who has been married for the last three years said that she and her husband celebrate Valentine's Day by giving each other cards and gifts. "I have never actually paid much attention to buying cards for my family or friends," she said.

Although card shops have now started catering to the increased demand for general cards and stock Valentine cards for mother, father, brother, sister and best friend, the number of such cards purchased is minimal in comparison to the sweetheart cards.

A particular card that caught my attention had the wording "Boyfriends may come and boyfriends may go, but girlfriends stay on"- how true are those words. There were cards for brother and sister-in-law and son and daughter-in-law too. 

Why is it that so little attention is being paid to what Valentine's Day is about - a day to declare your love? Where does it say that it has to be to a member of the opposite sex? 

The hype is such that for commercial purposes it's the romance that's highlighted, but why don't we take time to think about it and make it a day to celebrate our love for all those close to us?

My friends and I always take this chance of sending cards to each other. At least it gives us an opportunity of saying how much we appreciate out friendship with each other rather than focusing on red roses and heart-shaped chocolate alone. 

We also don't stick to going out in couples, but make it a day for all of us to meet and celebrate. After all, what's love without family and friends?

Several legends describe how this day came about. According to one, St. Valentine was a Christian martyr in the third century who was arrested and imprisoned. While in jail, he fell in love with the jailer's blind daughter. 

Wanting her to have a token of his affections he wrote her a sonnet in ink that he squeezed from violets. In a farewell message just before he was put to death, he gave her a card, which he signed "from your Valentine".

In Europe February 14th is also believed to be the day the birds began to choose their mates.

Whatever, the reason, Valentines Day has been chosen as a day to celebrate and declare your love, and that does not mean that you have to confine your declarations to your partner.

"I have always bought cards for my family and friends," said Sonali. She said that she has always been very sentimental and Valentine's Day is just an excuse to show everyone how much they mean to her. 

Meanwhile, Aruna said that he has always celebrated Valentine's Day with his girlfriend. "It's always been identified with romance and to be honest I don't think I ever thought of it as a day to declare my love for family or friends," he said, adding that this year he will go the extra mile to make it different.

With the vast number of cards available for friends and family, why not go out, pick up a card for your mum, dad, sister or brother and your best friend too. 

The cards available are numerous. There are humourous ones and serious ones, so picking a card for a family member this Valentine's Day is not going to be difficult; just browse around the card shops and you are bound to come up with one that catches your eye.

Who know, you may make someone's day.

Before I forget, Happy Valentine's Day !!!