Free Romance

Watch out ahead- here comes that flying dwarf with the bow and tranquiliser darts. At Scotcampus HQ there are attempts to avoid mention of the ‘V’ day event, which takes place this month. I however couldn’t bypass the opportunity to share the love and happiness of February the 14th, otherwise known as…my birthday. Yes, all cards, notes and cake gratefully received.

Aside from this delightful and exceptionally important point, this date also inspires some very tacky and expensive spending, purchased from a desperate desire to please a loved one. I know I know it’s difficult; everywhere you turn giant love hearts and fluffy nonsense peer out from shop windows, giving the lacklustre shopper an easy resort. Here are three common mistakes made on Valentine’s Day that I urge you to resist.

Buying up the florist
I must admit I like flowers I like plants too. I think they make for great gifts, as do the dozens of retailers who sell them at the bucket load. The cost of buying a bunch that doesn’t look too ‘garage forecourt’ and is finished off with ribbon, paper and a box can set you back a ridiculous sum. If you’re organising this for a new special someone avoid the florist- consider the price and the risk of potentially setting off their allergies. Buying seeds is a cute alternative.

Romantic restaurant
Like all seasonal menus your meal will come from a pot of diluted mass-produced paste in the kitchen. Expect the cost on all the standard fare to double too, all because they’ve blown up a few balloons, stuck a cardboard heart to the wall and got the pink napkins out. No-one does well out of a Valentine’s Day dinner except for the restaurateurs- and they do it because they can.

Writing your own poetry
Let’s be honest in most cases a love poem is more likely to end up as a rude limerick and perhaps it’s not a bad thing. If your effort heads down the route of revealing your soul, opening a box with a stuffed bear saying “I wuv oo” could result in cringe induced agony. Leave poetry to the experts, it may well be a money saving device …but come on!

I think it’s essential to keep in mind that romance isn’t something that comes wrapped in a bow. It’s all about being thoughtful, being together and…. well in my opinion, it’s about a great view. If you are seeking a way to spend time with the object of your affection take them to a hillside, tower or rooftop- wherever you can see the twinkling lights of the city or the sun set across water. There is a magical quality about silently considering a view together, making for a perfect moment without a price tag.

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This article was published in Scotcampus (Feb 2010)
www.scotcampus.com