Introduction
Valentine’s Day is also known as Saint Valentine’s Day or the Feast of Saint Valentine. It is an annual celebration held on February 14th. Initially, it was designed as a Christian feast day to honour the martyr Saint Valentine. Over time it has transformed into a widespread celebration of love and romantic connections across various regions worldwide.
What is love?
They often say that love is a wonderful thing, the discovery of that person who compliments you seamlessly, who shares your sense of humour, who is there when you need them the most, and vice versa. Valentine’s Day is a moment, a day to surpass the benchmarks set in the past or establish entirely new standards for expressing love to your loved ones, family, friends, and even colleagues.
This special day emphasizes the sentimentality and thoughtfulness expressed through gifts and actions. If you plan to invest in expressing your affection through gifts this Valentine’s Day, let it resonate deeply. It’s not merely about spending money; it’s about crafting each gesture to be meaningful and extraordinary for the ones you hold dear.
What type of love is in the air this Valentine’s Day?
Welcome to a journey into the heart, where love paints itself in a spectrum of colours, each telling a different story. As Valentine’s Day knocks on our door, we’re not just talking about the usual roses and chocolates. Instead, let’s look into the real stuff – the eight kinds of love the ancient Greeks talked about.
But we are not stopping at just talking about them; we’re here to help you turn these love types into meaningful gifts for your special someone. Let us unwrap the art of showing love in all its beautiful forms this Valentine’s Day.
1. Eros (Sexual Passion)
Eros is associated with romantic, passionate, and physical love. It encompasses the intense, desire-driven feelings between partners and is often seen as the initial spark that ignites romantic relationships.
Imagine flirty eyes, stomach butterflies, and a romantic spark flying everywhere!
Eros is not just about physical pleasure; it also encompasses the emotional and spiritual dimensions of intimacy.
It’s important to note that while Eros is a powerful and exhilarating force in relationships, a well-balanced and healthy love life involves the integration of other types of love, such as Philia (deep friendship), Agape (unconditional love) and Pragma (long-standing love).
How to Celebrate this Kind of Love
a) Romantic Getaway: As Valentine’s Day approaches, plan a surprise weekend getaway to a romantic destination. This could be a cozy bed and breakfast, a scenic cabin, or a beach resort, depending on your partner’s preferences.
b) Personalized Gifts: Consider personalized items such as engraving the bottle of their favourite drink, monogrammed accessories, a bouquet or engraved items that hold sentimental value. This adds a personal touch to the gift, making it uniquely theirs.
c) Intimate Experience: Create a romantic and intimate experience at home. This could involve cooking a special dinner with a bottle of their favourite wine, setting up a candlelit atmosphere, or organizing a home spa night. Tailor it to your partner’s tastes and preferences.
d) Sensual Gifts: Choose gifts that enhance the sensual and romantic aspects of your relationship. This could include scented candles, massage oils, luxurious lingerie, or a beautifully curated gift basket with items to pamper and indulge in together.
e) Surprise Date Night: Plan a surprise date night with activities and experiences that cater to your partner’s interests. This could include tickets to a show, a dance class, or an adventure activity that you can enjoy together.
2. Philia (Deep Friendship)
Philia refers to a deep, platonic friendship. This type of love is rooted in mutual respect, shared values, and a strong sense of camaraderie. It extends beyond mere companionship and involves a profound emotional bond. Think inside jokes, heart-to-heart talks, and a connection tighter than a hug from a long-lost friend.
Philia in friendships can lead to a rich and fulfilling social life, as it emphasizes the importance of genuine connection, trust, and mutual support. It complements other forms of love and contributes to the overall fabric of meaningful relationships in one’s life.
How to Celebrate this Kind of Love
a) Customized Gifts: Personalized items, such as custom-made jewellery, monogrammed accessories, gift hampers, or engraved items like their favourite drink or a drink they have been wanting to try, can carry sentimental value and showcase the uniqueness of your friendship.
b) Shared Experience: Plan an outing or activity that aligns with your friend’s interests. It could be tickets to a concert, a cooking class, a hiking trip, or any experience that you both can enjoy together.
c) Quality Time: Sometimes the best gift is the gift of time. Plan a day together, whether it’s a picnic in the park, a movie marathon, or simply spending quality time catching up over a meal.
d) Handwritten Letter: Express your appreciation and gratitude for the friendship through a heartfelt, handwritten letter. Share specific memories, qualities you value in your friend, and your hopes for the future of your friendship.
e) Gifts of Shared Interest: Consider gifts related to a shared interest or hobby you both enjoy. It could be sports memorabilia, concert tickets, or items related to a mutual passion.
3. Ludus (Playful Love)
Ludus represents the playful and carefree aspects of love. It thrives on flirtation, teasing, and the creation of a light-hearted atmosphere that fosters joy and laughter. Interactions rooted in Ludus are marked by spontaneity, embracing the unexpected and revelling in the pleasure of unpredictability. This builds connections through shared fun and enjoyment.
Its childlike enthusiasm brings forth a sense of wonder and curiosity, contributing to the cultivation of a strong friendship within romantic relationships. Ludus plays a vital role in keeping the spark alive, preventing relationships from becoming overly routine and mundane. Striking a balance between playfulness and sincerity, Ludus infuses the journey of love with humour, joy, and the ability to find delight in each other’s company.
How to Celebrate this Kind of Love
a) Customized Basket Gift: This is a thoughtful and personalized way to show someone you care. It involves curating a collection of items tailored to the recipient’s preferences and interests. From favourite snacks and drinks to skincare products, books, or hobby-related items
b) Board Games or Puzzles: Choose a board game or puzzle that you can enjoy together. This not only adds an element of playfulness but also provides an opportunity for shared fun and friendly competition.
c) Tickets to a Comedy Show: Invite your Ludus love to a comedy show. Laughter is a great way to enhance the playful vibes in your relationship.
d) Adventure or Experience Gift: Opt for an adventurous experience, such as a hot air balloon ride, a ziplining adventure, or a dance class. Ludus’ love thrives on novelty and excitement.
e) Themed Date Night: Create a date night with a specific theme, such as a Game Night with snacks, games, and a cozy blanket. It sets the stage for a playful and enjoyable evening together.
f) Customized Playlist: Put together a playlist of songs that bring back memories of your playful moments together. Include songs with upbeat and fun vibes that resonate with your Ludus love.
5. Agape (Love for Everyone)
Agape is often considered the highest form of love. It is selfless, unconditional love that transcends individual relationships. Agape involves a deep sense of compassion, empathy, and goodwill towards all people, regardless of their connection to the person feeling this love.
Agape, as a concept, encourages a universal love for humanity, emphasizing the importance of empathy, kindness, and a benevolent concern for the welfare of all.
How to Celebrate this Kind of Love
a) Charitable Donation: Donate to a charitable organization or cause that aligns with the recipient’s or your values. This not only contributes to the well-being of others but also embodies the spirit of selfless giving.
b) Community Service Experience: Plan a day of community service with friends, family or colleagues. This could involve volunteering at a local shelter, participating in a community cleanup, or contributing time to a charitable event, fostering a shared commitment to making a positive impact.
c) Mindfulness and Wellness Gifts: This Valentine’s Day, gift items that promote mental and physical well-being, such as a mindfulness journal, meditation app subscription, or a spa day. These gifts encourage self-care and reflect the importance of promoting overall health for oneself and others.
d) Host a Gathering: Organize a gathering with friends and loved ones to share love and laughter. Create an inclusive atmosphere where everyone feels valued and celebrated.
e) Handwritten Letters of Encouragement: Pen heartfelt letters to friends, family members, or colleagues expressing your appreciation and love for them. Highlight their positive qualities and the impact they’ve had on your life.
5. Pragma (Long Standing Love)
Pragma is a mature, enduring form of love that develops over time. It is intricately intertwined with the concepts of marriage and long-term partnerships. Partners in this type of love recognize that their relationship extends far beyond the initial romantic phase; it encompasses a steadfast dedication to building a life together. This form of love entails lifelong companionship, where the partners actively navigate the journey of life as a united front, supporting each other through the highs and lows.
Pragma involves the intentional creation of a shared narrative, where joint decisions about family, career, and lifestyle contribute to the ongoing development of a shared existence. In the face of challenges, partners in a Pragma relationship work collaboratively to overcome obstacles, fostering a deepened connection and resilience.
Stability is the cornerstone of Pragma, grounded in trust, reliability, and the unwavering assurance that the relationship is not just enduring but evolving, growing stronger over time.
How to Celebrate this Kind of Love
a) Personalized Gift: Exchange personalized gifts that reflect the longevity and depth of your relationship. This could include customized jewellery, artwork, a romantic gift basket or items that hold sentimental value for both of you.
b) Renewal of Vows or Commitment Ceremony: Plan a special event to renew your vows or express your ongoing commitment to each other. This could be an intimate ceremony or a larger celebration with close friends and family. Pop a bottle or two of champagne or sparkling wine to celebrate this special moment.
c) Weekend Getaway: Treat your partner to a weekend getaway to a place that holds sentimental value for both of you. It could be the location of a cherished memory or a serene destination for relaxation and connection.
d) Personalized Music Playlist: Curate a playlist of songs that hold sentimental value for both of you, representing various stages of your relationship. Include tracks from meaningful moments, such as your wedding song or songs from special dates and moments.
e) Handwritten Love Letters: Take the time to write heartfelt love letters to each other. Consider exchanging letters on special occasions, and compile them in a beautifully bound book. These letters become a timeless expression of your enduring emotions and sentiments.
6. Philautia (Love of the Self)
Philautia is the love of oneself. It can manifest positively as self-care, self-respect, and a healthy sense of self-worth. On the negative side, Philautia can lead to narcissism if taken to extremes. Balancing self-love with love for others is crucial for a well-rounded and fulfilling life.
At its core, Philautia advocates for self-acceptance, encouraging individuals to embrace their strengths and weaknesses and recognize their intrinsic worthiness. This form of self-love becomes a catalyst for personal growth and development, motivating individuals to make choices that contribute to their overall well-being and long-term happiness.
Philautia also emphasizes the importance of mindfulness and self-reflection, urging individuals to engage in a deeper understanding of their inner workings, and fostering increased self-awareness for a more fulfilling life journey.
How to Celebrate this Kind of Love
a) Pampering Spa Day: Treat yourself to a relaxing spa day at home. Run a warm bath with soothing essential oils, light scented candles, and indulge in a skincare routine. You can also reserve the spa day with your favourite spa spot. Treat yourself to a spa day, focusing on the rejuvenation of both your body and mind.
b) Self-Love Letter: Write a heartfelt letter to yourself, expressing love, gratitude, and positive affirmations. Seal it in an envelope, and open it whenever you need a reminder of your worth and self-love.
c) Cook a Special Meal for One: Prepare a special meal just for yourself, complete with your favourite dishes and drink(s). Set a beautifully arranged table, light candles, and savour every bite in a celebration of self-nurturing.
d) Solo Adventure Day: Plan a day of solo adventures, whether it’s exploring a new restaurant, taking a road trip, or visiting a museum. Embrace the freedom of being alone and indulging in activities that bring you happiness.
e) Learn Something New: Enroll in a class or workshop to learn something new and exciting. Whether it’s a cooking or dancing class, art workshop, or language lessons. Investing in personal growth is a powerful expression of self-love and one of the best ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day.
7. Storge (Family Love)
Storge is the affectionate and familial love that exists within families. It embodies the deep and affectionate bond found within families. It is a love rooted in familiarity, shared experiences, and a sense of belonging.
Storge encompasses the warmth and comfort derived from familial connections, celebrating the unique relationships that evolve between parents and children, siblings, and extended family members. This form of love is characterized by loyalty, support, and a shared history that forms the foundation of a strong family unit.
Storge acknowledges the unconditional love that exists within the family, where individuals find solace, understanding, and a profound sense of connection, creating a sanctuary of love and acceptance in the complex bond of familial relationships.
How to Celebrate this Kind of Love
a) Family Gathering: Arrange a family gathering, either in person or virtually, where you can spend quality time together. Share laughter, and stories over, and create new memories to strengthen the family bond.
b) Cook a Family Meal: Prepare a special meal that holds significance within your family. It could be a recipe passed down through generations or a dish that everyone enjoys. Enjoy the meal together, savouring both the food and the shared experience.
c) Express Gratitude: Take a moment to express gratitude for each family member. Write heartfelt notes or letters, expressing what you appreciate and love about each person. Share these sentiments on Valentine’s Day as a touching gesture.
d) Family Game Night: Set aside time for a family game night with board games, card games, or other activities that everyone enjoys. This activity can be accompanied by light drinks like beer, ciders or wine. This fosters a sense of togetherness and friendly competition.
e) Family Volunteer Activity: Engage in a volunteer activity as a family as a way to celebrate Valentine’s Day. Choose a cause that resonates with everyone, and spend the day contributing to your community. Acts of kindness as a family can deepen the sense of connection and shared values.
8. Mania (Obsessive Love)
Mania is an intense and obsessive form of love. It can involve possessiveness, jealousy, and a heightened emotional state. While it can be passionate, it may also lead to unhealthy and destructive behaviours in relationships.
Mania is an intense and obsessive form of love. It embodies a form of love characterized by an obsessive and excessive passion. This intense emotional state often manifests in overwhelming desires and a fervent need for constant reassurance and validation from the object of affection. Individuals experiencing Mania may grapple with a profound fear of abandonment, which can lead to erratic behaviours, a relentless pursuit of closeness, possessiveness and jealousy.
It’s crucial to recognize that Mania, when unchecked, can have detrimental effects on both individuals involved, highlighting the importance of fostering healthy and balanced expressions of love in interpersonal connections.
The best and most thoughtful gift for this kind of relationship as Valentine’s Day approaches is to address the obsession before it escalates.
How to address a Mania relationship
a) Establish Boundaries: Clearly define and communicate personal boundaries to ensure a healthy balance in the relationship. Establishing clear limits helps maintain respect and allows both individuals space for personal growth.
b) Seek Professional Help: Consider seeking guidance from a mental health professional, either individually or as a couple. A trained therapist can provide insights, and coping strategies, and facilitate open communication to address the dynamics of a Mania relationship.
c) Encourage Open Communication: Foster open and honest communication with your partner. Share your feelings, concerns, and perspectives, and encourage your partner to do the same. Open dialogue is crucial for understanding each other and working towards healthier dynamics.
d) Cultivate Healthy Coping Mechanisms: Focus on developing healthy coping mechanisms to manage stress and emotional intensity. Engage in activities that promote balance and well-being, such as mindfulness practices or engaging in hobbies that bring relaxation.
e) Evaluate the Relationship: Assess the overall health and sustainability of the relationship. Consider whether the dynamics align with long-term happiness and well-being for both individuals. If efforts to address the Mania patterns prove ineffective, evaluate whether the relationship is ultimately conducive to mutual growth and fulfillment.
Conclusion
Do not miss out on celebrating love, go over and beyond for your loved one. As Valentine’s Day approaches, let us recognize the beauty in the varied ways we experience love. Beyond the traditional roses and chocolates, the art of gifting takes centre stage, inviting us to express affection in thoughtful ways.
Let your gifts reflect the diverse shades of love that make this day special. As we exchange tokens of affection, may we embrace the essence of love in all its forms, creating moments that linger in the hearts of those we cherish.
How to Order from Us
We bring you a wide range of options this Valentine’s Day. From a variety of drinks to engraving, gift wrapping and gift baskets. Explore the different options on our website and place your order here. We shall promptly deliver them to you.
Alternatively, Call or WhatsApp us at 0705570066 for inquiries or to place a direct order.
We are located along Biashara Street and Accra Road within Nairobi CBD.
By Roseline Maina: Digital Marketer
