OK, so we all agree… Valentines… Not the most credible occasion of the year! Coming hot on the heels of Christmas overindulgence, it’s best viewed with humour and treated with indifference!
So why do I feel a momentary “twang” of regret? What’s that slightly disappointed feeling I get when the man of my dreams – husband and father of my children – does the same and Valentine’s Day is met with an endless stream of… NOTHING? No card, no roses, no candlelit dinner at an overpriced restaurant straining at the seams to accommodate a thousand tables for two?
My head tells me this is a nothing but an over-commercialised, money-making scheme, dreamt up by retailers to ensure that women everywhere exert just enough pressure to ensure that the hapless men in our lives part with their hard-earned cash in an attempt to give us what we want…
But my heart, well, my heart wants someone to show they care. My heart returns to my teen years where Valentine’s Day was either hideous or heart-beatingly fantastic! Where the gorgeous and popular could be brought down to size by the sheer scale of your card, plush toy or roses vs theirs, the day you flaunted “someone loves me” like it wasn’t something to be taken for granted!
And there it is! Under all the hearts and flowers, overpriced teddies and gaudy red and white stuff that you will never use – the real reason why we all give Valentines some measure of attention is that it’s a day of recognition. I am loved and I love!
Regardless of your situation, it’s important to share and receive love each and every day. It’s the healthiest of emotions. It helps you grow when you need a boost, and picks you up when you’re feeling down and best of all, scientists have proved it’s as good for your health as vitamins!
So, quite simply, instead of sticking your head in the sand, acknowledge Valentine’s Day – look it square in the eye and throw yourself into expressing your appreciation for all the great loves you have in your life!
Why not start by treating yourself to a gorgeous Pandora bracelet (from R495) and heart charm (from R395) – just for you! For more information visit www.pandora.net or call 011 706 2377. Pandora is available from Avant Garde at the Pavilion.