Valentine’s Day – It’s the thought that counts

However, there were others who said the day was not all about money and expensive gifts in expressing one’s love and affection, but was a way of reminding one another of the way they feel for each other.
The year 2012 is a leap year and many men were expecting to be showered with gifts by their women. A Valentine’s Day which falls in a leap year means that women should buy their loved ones something special, unlike most years when women are spoiled by men.
In a snap survey by Chronicle, some people said Valentine’s Day was not all about buying expensive gifts or spending a lot of money on their partners, but a day when lovers get to appreciate each other through gifts no matter how small.
“I believe that Valentine’s is a day when people, especially those in relationships, get to celebrate those very first moments they first laid eyes on each other to keep the fire burning through gifts,” said Tawengwa Mutsikamahwe who was buying his girlfriend, Amanda Mujuru, a beautiful dress from a local boutique.
Tawengwa’s sister, Michelle, said this day was so important to some, so much that they can end a relationship if they do not get something.
She, however, said love is always there to celebrate and people should not wait for this particular day to show their loved ones how much they adore them.
“Most relationships are strained on this particular day because most women believe that they deserve to be spoilt and anything less than that is perceived as being taken for granted.”
Michelle also said people do not get what the Valentine’s spirit is all about, adding that it was not all about expensive gifts as the day could also be celebrated by doing small things for each other.
“It is the small things that matter in life,” she said.
Michelle said at times, even taking one’s spouse out for ice cream or making him or her breakfast is romantic enough.
“I would not mind if my boyfriend was to cook and serve me while I am just relaxing,” she said.
Some people dismissed the day as a waste of money and accused shops of being out to make a quick buck, while hiding under the guise of St Valentine’s.
“Valentine’s is just a waste of money because it does not make any sense to buy my spouse a very expensive gift on this particular day when I can always buy her an expensive gift on any other day.
“What is important is to show appreciation to your loved ones even in the form of a beautiful cup,” said Dumezweni Ndlovu, who was having breakfast with friends at a local restaurant.
Singles also celebrated this year’s Valentine’s Day in their own special way.
“I am single by choice and I am happy about this day because I will be spending time with my girls.
“We are going out for lunch at a local restaurant and later on we will be going out for a braai with my friends Sasha Ncube and Zinzile Ncube,” said Grace Moyo.
While most couples in the city were decked in red to symbolise love, shops also complemented it by selling merchandise that had the colour of love.