Authored by: OCC LASIK
Ah, love is in the air! Cupid with his arrows, red hearts, red roses and boxes of candy (chocolate, of course!) all make up the traditions of February 14, known in many countries around the world as Valentine’s Day.
It is the symbolic day that people express their love and affection for one another. Whether you are married, single, in a serious relationship, or have just met a special someone, that fondness may be expressed through gifts of jewellery or a romantic dinner, flowers, and cards.
Young children send cards to all of their classmates. Many people send Valentine greetings to family members and friends across the world. If you have ever received an anonymous Valentine gift or card, that unknown admirer might be the one you remember best of all. Even pet owners shower their dogs and cats with Valentine goodies.
The Economics of Valentine’s Day
What began as Saint Valentine’s Day has morphed into an economic boom for those in the floral industry, restaurant and hospitality business, and of course jewelry stores. 196 million roses are produced specifically for Valentine’s Day every year in the US alone with 180 million cards sent. Let’s not forget about how many engagement rings are given on Valentine’s Day and the number of weddings performed on this special day, making it an anniversary bonanza.
The Art of Romance
Although there are endless ways to show your beloved how much you care, the tech age has caused many critics to ring the death bell for the art of romance.
There was a time when getting to know someone did not include text messages, emails, Facebook scrutiny or using Google to learn more about them. You did it the old fashioned way: actually talking face to face and speaking on the telephone. The age of Skype and the other shortcut communication devices available can many times take the magic out of a new encounter or an important occasion.
Have you ever written a love letter? I don’t mean a text message full of smiley faces, but a real honest to goodness love letter or poem. If you receive something handwritten from your husband of twenty years or a new boyfriend, it can be your most cherished token of love.
Consider all the ways you can show your loved one how much they mean to you this Valentine’s Day. Pick something that involves the gift of your time, rather than making it be all about money. Write a love letter, make a list of the top ten reasons you love them, plan a special getaway, cook their favorite meal and just stay home for a romantic dinner. Whatever you do, be creative and thoughtful. That’s really the best way to show your special someone how much you care!
Seeing Red
Don’t leave your favorite someone seeing red because your quickie gift or last minute plan was not well thought-out. They should be seeing passionate red knowing your red roses or your creative gift came straight from your heart. Or maybe you could help them see the colour red more clearly with the gift of LASIK at OCC LASIK.