I generally like interpreting holidays loosely and Valentine's Day is another one where we get to show those around us how much we care, and not just our significant others. But first, how did Valentine's Day come about?
Legend has it there was a priest during Roman times named Saint Valentine who would marry young couples. However, because there was lot of war going on then, the general ordered Valentine to stop marrying the young men before they went off to war, because he found that married young men did not do as well in war as single men. Valentine continued to marry young couples discreetly, despite his orders. He got found out eventually and was thrown in jail. (Or dungeon?) Soon he began to have a relationship himself with none other than--- the general (his jailer's) daughter! They wrote secret letters to each other and he signed them 'Your Valentine.' And the rest is history. A romantic story if I've ever heard one!
OK, albeit a bit fantastical. We're not exactly sure how much truth there is to it. But I think having some mystery and fantasy and romance in one's life is not a bad thing. And definitely not a bad thing in one's relationship.
Earlier I mentioned interpreting holidays loosely. Celebrating Christmas even though I'm Chinese. Sending gifts and note cards to female friends and family even on Valentine's Day. I do believe it's important to show our love and appreciation to those we care about beyond just our partner-relationship. Community, friends, and family are equally important.
Legend has it there was a priest during Roman times named Saint Valentine who would marry young couples. However, because there was lot of war going on then, the general ordered Valentine to stop marrying the young men before they went off to war, because he found that married young men did not do as well in war as single men. Valentine continued to marry young couples discreetly, despite his orders. He got found out eventually and was thrown in jail. (Or dungeon?) Soon he began to have a relationship himself with none other than--- the general (his jailer's) daughter! They wrote secret letters to each other and he signed them 'Your Valentine.' And the rest is history. A romantic story if I've ever heard one!
OK, albeit a bit fantastical. We're not exactly sure how much truth there is to it. But I think having some mystery and fantasy and romance in one's life is not a bad thing. And definitely not a bad thing in one's relationship.
Earlier I mentioned interpreting holidays loosely. Celebrating Christmas even though I'm Chinese. Sending gifts and note cards to female friends and family even on Valentine's Day. I do believe it's important to show our love and appreciation to those we care about beyond just our partner-relationship. Community, friends, and family are equally important.