Feb 8 - Line for the day

"And still the deep husky sound of his laughter rang against the coming of the night."
- Pg 132, A Pirate's Pleasure, by Heather Graham

Ah romance book heros. Those with deep husky laughters and smooth baritones. And of course physicalities and personalities to die for. Deep in the malaise of a viral attack, what can give more pleasure than curling up with a good old fashioned romance novel. Its February. Spring is around the corner. Love is in the air. Actually, it is literally in the air. Pigeons have been sighted on my balcony in various stages of intimacy. And also on air, is the media with its blitzkrieg of shiny advertisements for Valentines Day. In fact, a cheery red-and-white mail in my inbox informs me, its not just Valentine's Day, its an entire week of (expenditure driving) celebration! So as a woman, let me see how the logic works.

Feb 9 is deemed Chocolate Day. And come on, if the way to a man's heart is through his stomach, surely the way to a woman's heart is through chocolate! So where else could we possibly start the celebration!

Feb 10 is Teddy Day. Cuddly, furry, cosy comforts that herald back from the days of our childhood. The warmth of a soft body next to you, a companion to stave away the loneliness of the world. Perfect metaphor of innocent physicality to set the scene for intimacy. 'Oh to be a glove upon that cheek ... said Romeo to Juliet'.

Feb 11 is Promise Day. Because women want commitment. And loyalty. Most of the time. Today's modern woman may sometimes go for a no-strings attached deal. But it will still have rules. And boundaries. And anyway, won't qualify as romance or love.

Feb 12 is Hug Day. Start with the innocent touch. Always. No need for any overthinking, or expectation building. Building the physical bridge with warmth, affection and reassurance.

Feb 13 is Kiss Day. All that slow build up. Finally time for some real physical intimacy. Something that differentiates a romantic relationship from an affectionate one. Though to think of it, there can be plenty of affectionate cheek kissing too!

Feb 14 is Valentine's Day. So if chocolate and soft toys are done, that just leaves flowers and jewellery. Wow. Nice marketing. After all that buildup, a rose is expected. But will it be enough? After all, diamonds are a girl's best friend!

I've got to admit it. The lineup works (especially for the retailers). But at the end of the day, a simple heartfelt 'I love you' would too. The best things in life are free. Just like the sound of a loved one's laughter in the wind.