What comes to your mind when you hear about Valentine’s day? perhaps red petals laid down in a romantic ambiance, a couple on a date, dining and sipping on wine or receiving endless gifts. Different people interpret Valentine’s day inversely, as some look forward to receiving gifts and dining out as a way to celebrate their love, others don’t find the day in any way unique, and if it wasn’t for the social media reminders, perhaps the day could just pass by. Nevertheless, some singles are looking in admiration of those whose lovers have started gifting, and showing diverse kind gestures wishing to be in their shoes. The NewTimes had an interview with a number of people who explained their perception of the day. Below are the Excerpts Hassan Kibirango, Pastor Valentine’s day for me is a reminder of my lover and the girl of my dreams. Her name is Joan Kibirango, she is my rock and has been my best friend for 17 years and wife of 15 years. We have date nights regularly and I try to spoil her regularly. We don’t usually do much on the actual Valentine’s Day because every beautiful eat-out joint is full of people celebrating love. But I ensure that the girl knows she is my valentine every day! Jackie Lumbasi, Media Personality This is a normal day just like any other. I believe that if two people are in love, they are able to celebrate every single day. This is a day that comes and goes like others, it isn’t in any way significant because lovers don’t have to wait for a specific calendar day to celebrate each other. I can’t recall the last time I went out on Valentine’s Day. DJ Brianne Most people respect Valentine’s day so much, especially those that are dating, and I have no problem with them. It’s great to celebrate love if it’s genuine. As for me, that’s a normal working day, and I look forward to work, and gigs. Good luck to everyone who respects the day. Jean Lionel Bayubahe, YouTuber This is a special day for lovers and a reminder of their love. I usually spend it with my girlfriend. We go somewhere silent where we can concentrate on each other, talk in-depth about our relationship, what needs to be improved, and remind each other of the journey we have moved so far. We also exchange gifts for the things we love. William Niyonzima, Poet I don’t believe in Valentines because it was initiated by Saint Valentin. I loathe customs brought by humans in a religious disguise. We ought to acknowledge customs and traditions found in the Bible. Some people just jump on bandwagon and have no idea about Valentine’s day history. The day was named after Priest Valentinus, also known as St Valentine who died. The dead should be left to rest, and there should be more days to give value to them, and even when one wants to celebrate this day, one should make it a point to dig deep into it so that they are aware of its meaning. Winnie Kananura Muyumbukazi, basketball coach Whenever I hear about Valentines Day, I depict love as a whole, not only for the lovers but for all those whom we love dearly for example our parents, family, friends, and colleagues. On Valentines day, I want to take this opportunity to appreciate and let those whom I love know that I value and cherish them in every single way. Although I celebrate the day, If isn’t so much of a big deal as I don’t anticipate it.
