Love is in the air
FEBRUARY 14, 2008 (THURSDAY)
Valentine’s Day, February 14, is named for an Italian priest, but the date was originally connected to a pagan celebration of the Romans. The history seems hazy to me, and
perhaps the best approach to understanding the special day is to look at how we observe it.
We send notes and cards to sweethearts. But we also send them to class mates, friends and others. We also send flowers and chocolates. And other gifts.
Did you know that 85% of those who purchase valentines are females? I don’t know if that statistic has any significance, but it seems a little surprising.
Valentine’s Day gives people permission to express affection for each other. Of course, we need no such permission. People show their love for each other every day.
Before marriage, couples make beautiful promises to each other, and give each other priority. They show little courtesies, and are polite and kind to each other. Courtship takes place, and ultimately the two make the vows of marriage.
After the wedding, people gradually begin taking each other for granted, and slowly but surely drop the niceties and settle down to a life without much romance.
Bad mistake.
People who marry should resolve to keep on thinking of ways to make their partners happy. Putting the other person first results in the most happiness for all concerned. Expressions of love and affection are even more important after the wedding than they were during courtship. A man always craves respect and a woman always wants to be special in the eyes of her husband. Those who try to satisfy these basic needs of their partners can have very happy marriages. Happy Valentine’s Day.
