February is known by many people as the month of love. On the first day of the month, there is excitement about the upcoming Valentine’s Day, on February 14. But who celebrates the day? What does it mean to lovers, or singles? Who gives and receives gifts? And, is there a specific amount to spend? Claire Mutesi, a financial expert, has been dating for almost a year now and this will be the first time she celebrates the day with her boyfriend. For her, Valentine’s isn’t the only day that defines the love couples share but it is a symbol of their love, which is why they ought to spend this day with each other without distractions. She planned a gateway with her boyfriend where they can look into the future and also reflect on the past months. Joyce Umuhire, an author, used to consider Valentine’s Day as a worthless waste of effort where people searched for justifications to be dishonest and lie to one another. “I could see cities colored with an excessive amount of love—roses everywhere, and every window decorated with hearts and I wondered about the kind of drama and an exaggerated way to show love. But as I got older, I eventually understood why people ought to celebrate,” she said. Umuhire believes that it’s not only for romantic relationships, but a day of spreading love. For Remmy Lubega, an events organiser, people shouldn’t wait for Valentine’s day to spread love. When it comes to gifting and receiving, he points out that the expression of how one feels should not be one-sided. Anyone, whether male or female can give. Lubega shuns the notion that only men should be the ones to buy gifts for their special ones. And he is not for very expensive gifts. He noted that the expression of love can be through many ways; emotional, spiritual, and physical support are all important. “One ought to understand that it’s only a day and if it’s not celebrated, there are 364 more days one can make the best impression out of.” Marlon Weir, an entrepreneur, is of the view that we live in a connected society, and are inevitably vulnerable to what the rest of the world is doing. This is why something as universal as love and affection would cause people to expect a form of special treatment on Valentine’s Day since everyone else is celebrating it, he said. “Both parties should give each other a gift this year. Traditionally, women have been thought of as the fairer sex, one that needs looking after and special treatment. Men have been perceived as strong and not needing to show emotions or receive gifts as they are the traditional providers. The world has changed. Men and women can now show affection by giving.” Weir noted that there is no need to break the bank to show that you care about someone. “Flowers, chocolate should do. And of course, those three special words, ‘l love you! If one is broke, they can still pull it off by writing a handmade card, a poem, or pen down a letter of appreciation and love.”
