It's Only Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day is a pretty important holiday to many, symbolizing love. But where did this holiday come from and to whom to we owe the pleasure of thanking for the pounds of chocolates and endless roses that cost a fortune? Have you ever wondered that, I certainly have. I turned to the History Channel to find out and found literally pages upon pages of information. The following is my condensed version, my very, very condensed version.
February has long been a month of romance. St. Valentine's Day, as we know it today, contains both Christian and ancient Roman tradition. So, who was Saint Valentine and how did he become associated with this ancient rite?
One legend contends that Valentine was a priest who served during the third century in Rome. When Emperor Claudius II outlawed marriage for young men, Valentine, realizing the injustice of the decree, continued to perform marriages for young lovers in secret. When Valentine's actions were discovered, Claudius ordered that he be put to death.
According to another legend, Valentine actually sent the first "valentine" greeting himself. While in prison, it is believed that Valentine fell in love with a young girl who visited him during his confinement. Before his death, it is alleged that he wrote her a letter, which he signed "From your Valentine," an expression that is still in use today. It's no surprise that by the Middle Ages, Valentine was one of the most popular saints in England and France.
Americans probably began exchanging hand-made valentines in the early 1700s. In the 1840s, Esther A. Howland began to sell the first mass-produced valentines in America. According to the Greeting Card Association, an estimated one billion valentine cards are sent each year, making Valentine's Day the second largest card-sending holiday of the year, with Christmas being the first.
Alright, so now we understand the history. What I don't understand is all the hype. Why does a dozen roses cost five times more on February 14th than it does on January 15th? Why must you order chocolate covered strawberries weeks in advance and again, pay a pretty penny? Why do ladies get bent out of shape if the man in their life doesn't live up to her Valentine's Day expectations? Okay, not all ladies are guilty of this but many are. I suppose my husband lucked out in that I would be so mad if he spent the ridiculous amount of money on inflated roses and the last thing I need is a bunch of candy; I'm still recovering from the raids of Halloween candy. My favorite things are the handmade things that get brought home from school or made here at home. I totally just sounded like my mother when saying that, but it is true. In my opinion, Valentine's Day should be every day in that we show our love to each other, say nice things and try to spend a couple of minutes together. But, where do you fall on the spectrum? Do you have your ideal gift and dinner spot picked out months in advance or do you avoid those crowds at all costs? You know where I fall.
And if you must get me a gift, please get me something I can use. Something that won't die in a couple of days. You can have a little fun but at least be practical. And ladies, give the guys a break this year. It is only Valentine's Day.

Value of Friendship

Throughout the course of your life, there are many times when you need assistance. This assistance may be as much as help during a crisis or a simple, non-threatening ear. In order to get this much needed assistance, you can ask or seek help from strangers but you may not be comfortable with them or are afraid to really trust them because you do not know them. There are other options, however, that can provide you with help whether that is emotional, financial advice, or a non-judgemental ear.
The option that doesn't cost you a cent, or cause family related issues when you reveal some concerns about others is to turn to a good friend. A lot of people tell me that they have a lot of good friends but I really doubt this is true. And, over the course of many, many years, and through several challenging issues, I can tell you from experience that my really good friends have been counted on only one hand. So, what do I consider as a really good friend? The distinction in defining a friend must be clearly distinguished from acquaintances, of which we all have many.
To me, a really good friend offers a non-judgemental, non-threatening demeanour; one who is willing and able to attend to your requirements without thought of compensation or without the assumption that you will owe them in return. A true friend values you as much as you value them. A true friend is there for you no matter the time, circumstances or need. They do not choose when to help, in fact, they offer their help even before you ask.
Over the years, I consider myself to be extremely fortunate to have several really good friends that have stepped up to what I need no matter when or how difficult. These kinds of friendships are invaluable; you could never put a price on these people nor would they want you to. In return, I'm sure that for those really great friends you are the same to them.

When Friendship Turns Into Love

We call a person a friend when we care about that person; we absolutely trust him/her and know that he or she will be around when we are in a precarious position. A good friend knows you well and you tell him/her stuff that you wouldn't dream about telling about even to the love of your life.
Love is one relationship that transcends friendship. We give our mind, heart and soul to nurture love. Love also involves a physical element which is not there in friendship. Love gone sour causes heartbreak and humans take a long time to recover from the blow. However love gives us a reason to live and people who in love are at peace with the world and feel complete.
Most of our trusted friends or best friends are people from the same sex. However in many cases people might have a best friend from the opposite sex. You might think the person of as your buddy and might not think of him or her romantically. However if your love life is not something you want to talk about and you are growing older and you finally feel it's time to settle down and to be with one whom you know, then is she the one for you?
Here are the ways to turn friendship into a relationship:
1)Finding someone understanding, caring and loving is impossible. You know your friend like the back of your palm. You know about his/her past relationships, hobbies, dreams and the works. It is logical that you will have a great relationship ahead because you share the same mental space.
2)Proposing to that person would not be tough, since you know the person well. If you are a man instead of proposing her wildly like going down on a knee or with flowers. You can meet up at your favorite hangout spot and broach her about you guys getting into a relationship. You logically explain to her about why this would work fine for the both of you. A lady thinks a lot before getting into a relationship, because gives her best to build the relationship.
3) The last advice would be a tricky, if you have been in any past relationship and explained the lurid details to your friend, and then there might be some friction because of this affair. You must truthfully explain your exact feelings about your past relationship, and ask him/her to help you out. It would be useless lying because the person knows very well to see through that pretense
If you are romantically inclined towards that person, then go for it and use the above mentioned techniques. If not you might regret it later.

Essence of True and Everlasting Friendship

Friendship is a blessing in disguise. It is a dynamic mutual relationship between two persons who share their life as well as their souls. It is one relationship in life that we choose. Before we enter this world, God already records in His book who are parents will be, who are brothers, and relatives will be. It is also believed that marriages are also made in heaven; this means God's record book also has a mention of who our life partner will be. The only relationship that we have the freedom to choose is friendship.
Different people define friendship in different ways. For some it is trust, for some companionship, for some its unconditional love, for some it's just a feeling, and for some it is life. In all definitions, the essence of friendship remains the same. Trust comes when you feel close a person and feel love for that person. You feel like sharing your secrets and every move of your life with that person. This connection makes you feel passionate and strengthens the bond your share. At a time when you feel intimate and place your trust on someone, in return you give unconditional love and selfless care and if required you also be ready to sacrifice your life for your friend. This complete symphony of unconditional love, blind faith, deep understanding, and selfless care forms the base of true and everlasting friendship.
Friendship is like a tree that has to be nurtured with warmth, sunlight, and care. These ingredients are essential for healthy growth of any relationship. The love in your heart should be deeply etched like the deep rooted seeds of the tree. As the tree grow stronger and bigger of the seeds are soiled properly, so does the tree of friendship. Its strength and power is attributed to the intensity of love and care deeply rooted in your heart.
When you have good friends you feel secure and comfortable with them. The entire world looks like a merry-go-round when you have true friends beside you. When in pain they'll heal you, when in sorrow they'll give you smile, when in worry they'll give you hope, and when lost they'll give you a new dawn to start afresh. They form a channel of love and affection that help you go through all trial and tribulation with ease and comfort. Not only they make your journey easy but they also give you wings to reach the horizon. What else a man needs for survival? What is more comforting than a true friend beside you during worst phases of life?
Among all the relationships existing in the world, friendship is the only one that is unconditional and survives the hardship of time. And to know the true essence of friendship you need to have a true friend with whom you can conquer the world. This special bonding between friends is a priceless treasure that stays with you in under all the situations of life. It fills your life with affection, love, care, charm, and loads of fun.