Valentine's Day overlooks love's most enduring forms
Today is Valentine's Day. Few women ever forget this holiday. We like romance, being held by that special someone and being told we are loved. Many partners have gotten in big trouble on this day because they forgot to give the gift that says, I love you.
If you are reading this on Valentine's morning and have forgotten to get that special something, or find this column taped to the bathroom mirror, you still have time to redeem the day.
They say Valentine's Day is the day for lovers. That is all well and good if you have a lover you like. Otherwise, the day can be a bust. Too often the expectations of flowers, chocolate and a romantic dinner go unfulfilled. A day that celebrates love should not be a disappointment for so many. Perhaps we need to reframe what Valentine's Day is all about.
I think Valentine's Day can be expanded to embrace all those who love life and hope that our tomorrows will be better than today. Why not tell that special girlfriend, brother or neighbor that you love them and give thanks for them being in your life? An unexpected gift on this day will express just how much you value friendships. It is no surprise that friendships often outlast our romantic relationships.
I remember in elementary school giving Valentine's Day cards to everyone in my class. In those days, we could not give cards just to those we liked. We had to give cards to everyone. I did not like half the boys in my classes, but I gave them cards, too. They did not get the prettiest cards, but they got cards nonetheless. I think there is a lesson in giving gifts to those we are not that fond of.
Jesus said the best way to get back at our enemies is to love them and give them what they need. Hearts of stone can turn to hearts of flesh with the smallest gesture of kindness. Our detractors do not expect us to be kind or really listen to them. Yet when we hear stories from those who bristle at us, we often hear words of pain, sorrow and fear that have nothing to do with us. Love can win over our staunchest enemy.
While loving others on this day, remember to love yourself. Loving oneself is a sign of wisdom. When we love ourselves into wholeness, there is more of ourselves to give away. If you would love to receive a bouquet of flowers today, buy one. Be kind to yourself by treating yourself to a good book, a bubble bath and a fabulous cup of tea.
While tangible signs of affection from others are hoped for today, let us remember that the greatest love we can experience is from God. These days, marriage vows have only a 50 percent success rate, even when they include "til death us do part." But the love that comes from our creator is with us before birth and even beyond death. What confidence to know that love will be with us in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health, in times of wealth and in poverty.
In these stressful economic times, with the stock market still sinking and unemployment at a 30-year high, we must cling to those values that are rock solid. Love is simple — not jealous, envious or rude.
Real love has nothing to do with dress size, quantity of hair on one's head, or the value of one's 401(k). Love desires us to be our best selves and for us to be happy.
I am fortunate to know what real love looks like and feels like. I am also holding out for dark chocolate today. Happy Valentine's Day.
Enjoy Galatta’s Valentine’s Day Special
Prasanna Singh [February 13, 2009, 6:09:40 PM]
Love is in the air! Turn your attention anywhere! All you see is love! The city is blanketed in red and pink! So, what is your plan for Valentine’s Day? Whatever you plan, it would be a good idea to start your Valentine celebrations with Galatta.com!
Galatta.com brings you an exclusive Valentine Special Page. Visit it! We are sure it will set the perfect mood for a sweet and romantic Valentine’s Day! We have Valentine’s Day special wallpapers and songs. So, while you sit with your sweetheart and coo sweet nothings into her/ his ear, make sure you browse through our Valentine’s special!
Kupu-Kupu goes sweet with Valentine special
Spa Kupu-Kupu, located in the Sun Marina Hotel, is offering a delectable combination of chocolates for both the body and spirit during a special running through the end of this month. Kupu-Kupu has designed an Esthetic Chocolate Spa combined with a dinner. For starters, enjoy a foot bath, chocolate scrub and a chocolate pack treatment, followed by an aroma body massage. To cap the evening, enjoy a special dinner that is included in the rprice at Sun Marina Hotel’s ‘By the Sea’ restaurant.
The Valentine’s Special treatment, an 80-minute experience, is only ¥10,000, and free dinner. The dinner includes an appetizer, soup, bread, pasta and either a fish or meat main dish, capped by coffee and dessert. While soaking up the pampered treatment at Spa Kupu-Kupu, there’s a special mist sauna and Jacuzzi rooms, as well as a variety of British-made Neil’s Yard top-of-the-line, and American all-natural organic Young Living aroma oils, plus all natural Okinawa ingredients for facial packs.
Sun Marina Hotel Spa Kupu-Kupu is open daily 11 a.m. ~ 10 p.m. Reservations are available at (090) 9788-7156, or (098) 965-2383. The Sun Marina Hotel is located on Highway 58, between Moon Beach and Rizzan Seapark Hotels.
Valentine's Special: From Egypt with Love
It is this time of the year when you start to believe that life is practically all about flowers and chocolates. Single and couples, in favor of or against celebrating Valentine's Day are bound to indulge in the infamous February extravaganza. Like it or not, you are haunted with teddy bears, flowers, boxes, and fluffy red wraps all around you, not to mention your office mate who would drive you up the wall talking, thinking, and planning for the grand day.
While committed Egyptian bloggers were swamped in the preparations, others were scratching their head trying to come up with new ideas and ways to celebrate the universal love day.
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