Here comes another February with a new Valentine s Day on the horizon, bringing to the fore fantasies and memories with scented candles and red flowers. When it comes to Valentine s it s all about expressing love and affection to our husbands or wives and fiancées. Early preparations for surprising gifts, romantic candlelight dinners combined with love cards or poems are the straightest ways to tell your soul mate that you really care in action. On that day, the celebration is pretty much everywhere; it can be found in stores, restaurants, Radio, and TV channels. With such an atmosphere, deep in our hearts we long for a little Valentine s treat just for ourselves. And aside from the fact that in Egypt there's raging controversy over whether we should celebrate Valentine s Day or not, we mustn't ignore two main things: First, the commemoration and marking of Feb. 14 as a day for love is increasing year after year. For instance, in districts like Maadi, Mohandissen, and Nasr City, you can t miss the red outfits of most of the girls and boys carrying red glittered gift wraps; nor can you miss the spectacular flower arrangements. Second, who can avoid feeling they are on top of the world when someone shows them that they are remembered even with a red rose? Though I usually don t celebrate Valentine s Day, I wouldn't mind at all to be remembered with a nice gesture, says Sarah Fouda, a housewife. With too much love in the air where the emphasis revolves around how to make lovers enjoy that special day, we shouldn't forget the despair felt by those who are single. There are lots of lonely people who would love to escape Feb. 14. All the lonesome feelings they try to hide most of the year are uncovered for all to see on that day. I hate that day because I feel alone in the whole universe, says Marwa Yehia, a business administration student. And to those who are still looking for that dream partner, their soul mate, especially women, here are some tips that could make Valentine s more pleasant: Be courageous and patient, you will soon find what you are looking for; pamper yourself with quality ways like going to a spa, a beauty salon or buying new colorful clothes, and remember that shopping is therapeutic. Buy yourself some chocolates and flowers and it won't hurt to remember your other single friends; it would mean a lot to them to know that someone cares and in return your heart will be filled with joy for putting a smile on someone s face. Get together over a cozy lunch or a fancy dinner with close friends or family; and remember that you matter so much to so many people. And if it's any consolation, remember that not all couples celebrate the day. After marriage my husband s work schedule doesn't give us enough time to go out as often, that s why on Valentine s I go out with my close single girlfriends to cheer them up and enjoy myself, says Riham Mohsen, a marketing specialist. So, to all the single people out there on Valentine's Day this year, let your motto be: live confident, feel good and celebrate just for yourself. Reeham Magdy Abd El Aziz is an economic analyst at the Ministry of Trade and Industry.
