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Tendai Gukutikwa
Post Reporter
UNLIKE the back to school rush that we experienced just a month ago as people prepared to take their children back to school well equipped, this month’s rush is mostly felt by men and the few women who understand that even men deserve to be spoilt.
Although the romantics are not showing any signs of pressure on their faces, they are definitely feeling the heat as 14 February fast approaches.
St Valentine’s Day is loading and women are on the receiving end, at least according to the Gregorian calendar.
It is not a Leap Year, after all.
However, the day is traditionally about showing love, appreciation, and affection for a special someone; and not necessarily through gifts.
Also, while Valentine’s Day’s focus is traditionally on the woman, there are many ways both men and women can enjoy the day and make it special for each other.
A survey conducted by The Manica Post earlier this week revealed that men, mostly, are busy secretly shopping for what they think will be romantic surprises for their loved ones come Tuesday.
However, there are instances where these secret gifts have not been well received as they simply may not meet the receiver’s expectations.
So as Valentine’s Day approaches and people’s thoughts turn to love, the givers need to be ‘schooled’ on some of the gift ideas for their significant others.
Please keep in mind that there is no one best thing to do for your loved one as people have different preferences.
However, here is a guideline of some of the expectations for Valentine’s Day.
The Manica Post took to the streets of Mutare and interviewed various women on what they would really want as a Valentine’s Day gift.
About 80 percent of ladies interviewed revealed that they expect to receive a unique love message on the morning of Valentine’s Day.
According to the ladies drawn from all age groups, expressing your love on the said-day should be a given.
However, most will still expect more surprises during the course of the day.
Most women then opted to spend quality time on special dates on the day, instead of receiving the traditional chocolates and roses.
To the majority of the women interviewed, time with their loved ones means more than chocolate bites and sweet scents of red roses.
Ms Sharon Nhira (24) said it is not only about the gifts for her, adding that spending quality time with her husband would be appreciated.
“Spending time with my loved one is what I am hoping for on Valentine’s Day. I am secretly hoping that he will take me to a romantic place where we have never been before and that he shows me the love and appreciation that he has for me.
“It is not about gifts, I mean he can buy me gifts any day of the year, but I do not get to spend quality time with him every day because of work commitments. Valentine’s Day should be a special day for us,” she said.
Another woman, Ms Grace Chiringe said: “It is all about quality time with him. Yes, he will have to spice things up with some roses and chocolates, but what really matters is us being together and celebrating our love.
“Love can be celebrated in different ways but I think being there for each other is the best way. Funds permitting, I would also want a spa day with him and later on a lunch or dinner date, of course with chocolates and roses. I am a woman after all.”
Ms Liz Mukumbachaza (26) of Chikanga said as a mature woman, chocolates and fresh roses no longer excite her. She said she wants something she will treasure for a long time to come.
“If he has to buy me roses, I would appreciate artificial roses as I will be able to treasure them for some time after the day. I would really love a canvas painting that has a message of love or just anything that has a love message.
“I do not care about the price he would have bought it for. I care about the message. That is my ideal Valentine’s Day gift so that even months afterwards I can still look at it and remember the special day,” she said.
However, there is also a section that feels that money should be added to the list of Valentine’s Day gifts.
“Money should be added in there. Personally, I feel like money is the best gift that one can give me. Chocolates will melt, roses will wilt, but money will always be there. If I had the chance to choose my own gift, I would choose money,” said a lady who requested for anonymity.
Single people are also hoping that they will not be left out on Tuesday.
Ms Chiedza Chirara (30) said despite being single, she cannot wait for cupid to shoot an arrow as she is hoping that a secret admirer will surprise her on Valentine’s Day.
“I do not know whether it will be a surprise or a shocker, but I am still hoping that someone will spring a surprise on me. To anyone who is crushing on me, I am asking you to surprise me or shock me. I need to be recognised on Valentine’s Day,” she laughed.
However, some single ladies will not be waiting for secret admirers to spoil them as they have organised girls get together events to celebrate the day.
Ms Tinashe Munaki said: “We go to work during the week so we will meet over the weekend and celebrate the day together. We are just celebrating the love that we have for ourselves and each other, nothing else.”
On another note, parents can also celebrate the day with their children as it is a perfect time for them to bond.
No one should be excluded from celebrating Valentine’s Day, whether that is a romantic partner, a family member, or a friend.
Valentine’s Day is all about showing appreciation for the people we love and care about.
Online Reporter