In Costa Rica Valentine's Day is much more relaxed than in the USA.
We gringos have gone waaaaay overboard in making the holiday more than it is: a saint's day that has been commercialized to the point of making your stomach turn. Think about it...In the weeks leading up to the 14th of February you are bombarded by ads on tv. Your ears are assaulted by the radio with love songs (my Dad listens to the soft rock station), and every store window is decked out with pink, red, white, heart shapes and cut out cupids of the Raphaelite sort. Hallmarks are super busy, Old Navy comes out with Valentine's Day themed shirts, and even the CVS is full of candy and cards and tacky stuffed bears holding boxes of chocolates. If there is any day that you should say "I love you," it is today. And don't forget the flowers, of course!
One of the things I like best about today is that E and I are celebrating our 6 month anniversary, and it is also my mother-in-law's birthday. So this is not just any day...! Several important events fall on this date.
Another thing is that the Ticos do not celebrate only "love" but also "friendship." So while you can tell your significant other "I love you," you can also go to a friend or family member and give them a big hug and make them feel appreciated and loved! It is much more inclusive, not just about romantic but also platonic relationships, and people act accordingly giving hugs all around instead of focusing on just one person. Of course, couples do special things together but there is not as much emphasis on gifts or as much pressure to do something big and meaningful. Muni's nanny is making her hubby a special dinner! Muni and Adri went out last night. Tonight we have a reservation for 3 at the sushi restaurant in town, and I am looking forward to it!
I decided not to go home today after all, as I would be alone and just the thought is depressing...missing E a lot today, needless to say, for the holiday and our anniversary. It will be so great to see him again on Saturday!
So today I wish you all Happy Valentine's Day, and Feliz Dia de Amor y Amistad!
Pura Vida!
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