Every February 14,  the world is at a pseudo standstill for the celebration of love.
Couples go on special dates, flowers and gifts are exchanged between loved ones, sexual intercourse is concelebrated all in the name of St. Valentine.
But who is this mysterious saint, and where did these traditions come from?

The history of Valentine’s Day–and the story of its patron saint–is shrouded in mystery. We
do know that February has long been
celebrated as a month of romance, and that St. Valentine’s Day, as we know it today, contains vestiges of both Christian and ancient Roman tradition. But who was Saint Valentine, and how did he become associated with this amorous rite?

The Catholic Church recognizes at least three different saints named Valentine or Valentinus, all of whom were martyred. One legend contends that Valentine was a priest who served during the third century in Rome. When Emperor Claudius II decided that single men made better soldiers than those with wives and families, he outlawed marriage for young men. Valentine, realizing the injustice of the decree, defied Claudius and continued to perform marriages for young lovers in secret.
When Valentine’s actions were discovered, Claudius ordered that he be put to death.

Other stories suggest that Valentine may have been killed for attempting to help Christians escape harsh Roman prisons, where they were
often beaten and tortured. According to one legend, an imprisoned Valentine actually sent the first “valentine” greeting himself after he
fell in love with a young girl–possibly his jailor’s daughter–who visited him during his confinement. Before his death, it is alleged that he wrote her a letter signed “From your Valentine,” an expression that is still in use
today. Although the truth behind the Valentine legends is murky, the stories all emphasize his
appeal as a sympathetic, heroic and–most importantly–romantic figure.

By the Middle Ages , perhaps thanks to this reputation, Valentine had become one of the most popular saints in England and France.

In this century however the religious spice of this great legend have been watered down to the exaltation of erotic love.

14th February is supposed to be a day we celebrate love,  a day we show love, a day we appreciate the power of love.
We mustn't necessarily place priority in finding a sexual partner to celebrate Valentine's day with. Love can be expressed in various dimensions;
*to a parent,
*to siblings,
*to a best friend,
*to the less privileged etc.

And for those in relationships, 14th February is not the only day you remind your partner that you love him/her. Love is a continual process,  it can't be compressed into one day.
But a day as this presents opportunity for spouses to celebrate their love in a special way.

For the singles, not having a val on Valentine's day doesn't mean you suck. My advice is always that you don't let desperation drive you into indulging in what you will spend the rest of your life regretting.

Finally, the spree of Valentine's day these days culminates in two things;
1. A special treat
2. Sex.
The very nature of women craves attention, craves being treated like a queen,  craves being surprised with showered gifts, flowers, exquisite dates interwoven with romance.
While the ultimate end of men is to have sex.
These two tendencies play themselves out perfectly today...
While women are hoping to be "taken out" and given a special treat,  the men who do this are hoping that it will climax with an awesome sex.

Therefore, i strongly admonish that unmarried couples should thread with caution how far they enthrone this day to avoid cases of rape and unwanted pregnancy.

Dont be a victim of love,
Be a Victor!
Happy Valentine's day