Just another day

Maybe I have become more cynical, but seriously, do more expensive roses and candlelit dinners truly show your love for "that" someone?!

By the way, I think I am as romantic as any other female. I adore long walks (in the gardens in Delhi OR perhaps the beach in Singapore) at sunset and I would never ever turn down roses ( just imagine, which by the way were once bought for me from the temeple across my office in Delhi!) or chocolates - all cliched tokens of love.

But honestly, I draw the line - at candlelit dinners, I would most certainly like to see what I am eating and preferably see the face sitting across me as well :)

In Singapore recently, a newspaper carried a special supplement giving ideas on what gifts to buy and where to spend Valentine's Day or night!.

Imagine some of the bizarre ideas and costs - a trip on the Singapore Flyer which comes with a glass of champagne each (no food mind you expcept a box of chocolates) @ SGD 390 for a 1/2 hour ride. The capsule will have a theme (I am presuming some photos of half naked babes (btw - why would I want my man to be oggling at them on this so called special day!) and some hearts hanging around!) with some background music. And by the way you if you do get into a lovey dovey mood, you gotta behave yourself because you would be sharing the capsule with 10 other couples!

And if you want complete privacy, then couples have to be prepared to pay SGD 3,990 to block the entire capsule for yourself.

Bizaare !

Instead, I would rather recommend that you book a london cab for SGD 250 which comes with your own violinist and 3 roses and a ride anywhere of your choice.

I have failed to understand why and how these opportunistic businesses jack-up prices on 14th Feb - right from roses to chocolates to just about anything. Perhaps over the years I have become more cynical (or should I say practical) as these grand gestures of amour become even grander.

Honestly, I have nothing against these couples who choose to sip champagne on giant ferris wheels or take the cable car dinner - if they can afford it and gives them their true love - good for them lah!

What would really make me go weak in the knees is someone cleaning my house, cooking (non-candlelit - for I dont want my house on fire rather than my heart), doing my grocery and laundry and ironing.

Guess this is no guys idea of romance.

But hey if I am beginning to sound like sour grapes then let me assure you that I am not some bitter old maid who has never been showered with Valentine roses (remember the ones from the temple once upon a time :)
And I was given a wrought iron (ugly) lion (because I am leo!) and a very delicate cut glass ganesh statue with a bell and some paulo cohelo books and some fab India tops)

Hey, If I have forgotten to say thank you - then I really really mean it today. From the bottom of my heart.

And for the times that I did not get a gift, I always remember this car sticker which said "I got you nothing because that's what you wanted. XYZ" - so forgiven :)

But on a serious note - if one is secure with each other that the relationship is not determind by "that" one day of the year, well, isn't that better than the chocolates and the flowers?!

Truly the best present is the gift of your heart and soul and commitment to "that" someone.
Shouldn't everyday be Valentine Day!