*This week brings Valentine's day* 🌹🌹🌹 _By Nimrod Mavhenyengwa_ Its Valentine's day! Valentine's day has been associated with very special moments. Have you ever heard of the Great Valentine's day failure? The story of Nimrod who was so determined to surprise his girlfriend Moreblessing on Valentine's day. He attempted to cook her favourite breakfast but ended up setting the kitchen curtains on fire. He rushed to the store to buy flowers, but he grabbed a bouquet of dead roses. He made a home-made card with a sweet message but accidentally wrote *Happy Birthday* instead of *Happy Valentine's day*. He ordered chips and chicken instead of pizza. However, Moreblessing was not angered or hurt. The lovers spent the rest of the day laughing and enjoying each other's company reminding us that its the thought that counts not the execution. This week will be iced with Valentine's day on Friday. The day where lovers pamper each other with gifts, engage in outdoor activities, attend a concert, plan a surprise trip or romantic escape, exchange thoughtful gifts such as flowers, chocolates, jewelery or personalised items. ''Its not our culture Nimrod, I dont believe that love can be shown only on Valentine's day'', says Mr Momberume, an 85 year old man who resides in Ndanga, Zaka District. ''I have always loved my wife since the day we married, everyday is Valentines day'' His wife Mrs Momberume is 65 she suffered a stroke when she was 58. Mrs Momberume can not walk or do anything on her own, she always rest within the wheelbarrow as her husband ferries her around the homestead. Continously she tries to laugh to his jokes in agony and sometimes stiffled pain. The couple has been married for over 40 years with no children. Marriage and Love according to Mr Momberume is a lifetime contract. His words resonate that true love is a lifelong commitment not just a romantic notion. Nowadays, young lovers seem to have commercialised love. Valentines day is like an official holiday of the affection. Aaron Mandongwe, young and in love, resides in Tomlinson Depot, Newlands. He believes that true love comes from the heart and that Valentine's day is just a day to express it. Aaron also believes that a lot can be done on Valentine's day. ''A couple can go out for a movie, buy porpcorns and drink something while watching a movie, they can go out for breakfast, lunch or dinner. It is all about showing each other love,'' says Mandongwe. Tariro Chidawu, married for the past five years with two children explains. ''I can't be angry if i don't get a Valentine's gift but i cannot be happy either'' ''Valentines day is a measured on how one truly values the relationship,'' says Chidawu. Asked on why men are more likely to buy gifts at Valentines day than women, Chidawu added. ''It's in the Bible that a man is a provider and the special way and day to prove just that is on Valentine day,'' says Chidawu. Valentine's Day has a rich and complex history that spans over 1,500 years. According to Christian tradition, St. Valentine was a priest who lived in Rome during the 3rd century AD. Emperor Claudius II had outlawed marriage for young men because he believed single men were better soldiers. St. Valentine defied the Emperor's decree and continued to perform marriages in secret. When Emperor Claudius II discovered this, he had Valentine arrested and executed on February 14th. During the Middle Ages, the Catholic Church honored St. Valentine as a martyr and saint. Nowadays, Valentine's Day is celebrated in many countries around the world, with people showing appreciation for their loved ones through various gestures and gifts. Happy Valentine's Day in advance! 🌹🌹🌹 https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaeQPXk2P59pbEy6AB1U