Valentine’s Day is fast approaching, and couples worldwide are planning to make the day memorable. February 14 has been a day for lovers to express their love and affection. Over the years, it has been marked by gifting loved ones and showing undying love for each other.
Every year, love fills the air, red becomes the colour of the day and lovers show each other affection and kind gestures while reminiscing fond memories of each other.
Speaking to The Kenya Times, Francis Akuka- a relationship expert says the materialistic nature of Valentines has contributed to the growth of its popularity in Kenya.
“In recent years, thanks to global materialistic culture fueled by Westernism, Valentine’s Day has been recognized in Kenya,” Francis Akuka said.
Exchange of Gifts on Valentine’s Day
In Kenya, cities turn red as the colour of love and affection dominates the day. Additionally, couples exchange gifts to show their appreciation, care, and kind gesture.
However, the demand for giftings has blurred the true meaning of Valentine’s, from love and affection to materialism.
In a phone interview, Akuka said Valentines is associated with the flowers and chocolates that lovers gift to their partners.
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“In Kenya, the day is marked in urban areas by the sale of flowers, chocolates, and exchange of various gifts,” Francis Akuka said.
The common gifts that people give each other range from an expensive budget to simple gifts.
In Kenya, a few celebrities have broken their banks to provide memorable moments for their lovers.
However, simple gifts like chocolates, flowers, and a simple date still make the lover’s day memorable.
Calling a loved one, and sending a simple message to reminisce about each other, can also count as a budget-friendly way of celebrating the day.
On the issue of whether the February 14 has been reduced to just a gifting day, Akuka has discouraged high expectations from partners, terming it “a defeatist mentality”.
Beyond the Valentine’s Day
“It is a defeatist mentality to rely on Valentine’s for a magical gain in a relationship,” Francis Akuka stated.
He further stated that every waking day presents opportunities to do the right thing towards your partner and therefore reassurance of commitment and appreciation of each other should be done often.
Unresponsiveness to such gestures, he says, will provide no meaning if it is done just for a day.
Couples have also been advised to share their dreams together, pray for each other, offer support, and build each other’s self-esteem beyond Valentine’s Day.
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Are Men Gifted?
Traditionally, men have always been the ones gifting during Valentine’s Day as the women take a step back to be only receivers.
But amid the gifts and dates extended to loved ones on this day, the question of whether women should gift their male lovers has always popped up.
The perception has also been that men do not harbor any expectations when it comes to receiving gifts.
However, with the dynamics of the modern world, the current generation of men could also appreciate their partner’s generosity and thoughtfulness on that day.
According to Akuka, the current generation of men appreciate gifts and therefore could be expecting reciprocation.
“In this new generation of young men who found Valentine’s Day alive in our society, they would care about reciprocity,” he stated.
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