I find it interesting that each year I’m asked to write a Valentine’s Day article for What’s Hot. I have been single for quite some time and any tokens I’ve handed out over the years on February 14th have been greeted with emotions running the gamut from laughter to outright terror. I think either my editor has a sense of humor, or enjoys pouring salt into the wound. But who am I to moan? Thusly I pull on my red knickers and brace myself once more for The Big Day.
There are a number of stories about the beginnings of Valentine’s Day, but no matter how it began, everyone is absolutely aware of what it now implies. The florists start training like Olympians and restaurants prepare their reservations books. Significant others decide whether they will honour the day or treat it as any other.
Either is fine, but they had both better be on the same page or things will get stickier than Toffee Pudding in June.
Those in love will probably expect flowers, chocolates, dinner and maybe some additional romantic gestures.
I think the motor companies are getting pretty ambitious when the TV ads come up of some husband or wife squealing over their new car for Valentine’s Day. Really? Either this holiday has gone WAY too far or I’m dating in the wrong pool. Beyond that, what about the singles? It’s one thing if you’re happy being independent, but what about the recently estranged? February 14th must be like a thorn in the heart when everyone else is seemingly flitting about all twitterpated. There is no need to sit at home and wallow in a Soup-for-One. Whether you’re swooning over someone or refreshingly enjoying your own company, this holiday doesn’t have to be a dreaded one.
If you are part of a couple, I have already listed some of your typical gifts and date ideas above, but why follow the norm? There are so many different ways to celebrate romantically, particularly here in the islands with the beach, the clear blue seas, the sunsets… How about cocktails on the beach, or a horse ride?
Sportier types can take an evening kayak trip through the mangroves, or hold hands along the Mastic Trail.
Simply sitting on the sand with your toes comfortably buried, watching that golden orb dip below the horizon…all that’s missing is Meryl Streep! Of course if you decide to go the dinner route, you’ll want to make reservations early. Books fill up quickly for this prime date, so unless the pair of you want to be frolicking amongst the coloured balls outside Burger King, you’ll be getting on that phone to cement your position at one of Cayman’s many splendid restaurants. A limousine and a night’s stay at the Ritz-Carlton wouldn’t be kicked out of bed for eating crackers, but it’s all down to your budget and your mate. I hate to sound like a parent, but if you have to pay out a fortune to show how much you love someone, you need to have a word with yourself.
As far as singles are concerned, may I recommend a night out with the other single friends in your life? Why not dress up, don your finest jewels, and meet up at a nice cocktail lounge followed by dinner? Whilst some couples may retire to their homes at this point, you can head to the nightclubs to boogie until the wee hours and possibly meet your next year’s Valentine! Sometimes there are un-Valentine’s functions going on, so you can check the Caymanian Compass Newspaper and keep a keen ear on the radio to see what has been planned for those nuts and bolts looking for matches.
“So, Vicki,” you begin, “what are YOUR plans for Valentine’s Day?” Well at the time of writing this article I will be getting together with friends, but who knows? There are still a couple of weeks to go, so maybe some lucky guy out there will catch my eye, I’ll send him flowers and chocolates, he’ll run a country mile and…I’ll still be getting together with friends!
Remember that in the end if you’re lucky enough to be with someone who treats you well, you love them, they love you etc… etc… you don’t really need February 14th to dictate that you recognise your coupledom. Frogs abound, and not just in rainy season. If you’ve found your prince or princess, appreciate them all the time. But maybe a rose on Valentine’s Day, just to cover all the bases.
Happy Valentine’s Day!