Cards Galore Valentines Blog

It’s the million dollar question; just how do you define “love”?. While almost no-one can agree on a single definition, one thing is certain, that people who feel loved by others and who love other people do tend to be happier in life. And although traditionally Valentine’s Day is associated with romantic love, over time it has taken on significance for those wanting to celebrate love in its many different forms.

At Cards Galore Online in Bury, love is already well and truly in the air – and we reckon there is a lot to share around!

Parents to Kids

So, if you ever received a Valentine from your mum or dad when you were younger, did you think it was sweet or did it make you cringe?! And, assuming the card was unsigned, did you even realise it was sent by them in the first place? Maybe it’s something you do now for your own children, while possibly taking the celebrations to another level by organising themed surprises for them as well. These might include a Valentines chocolate treasure hunt, decorating their room with balloons before they wake up in the morning or sticking individual heart shaped messages around your home explaining the reasons why you love them so much!

Celebrating female friendships

When it comes to friendships, the connection can be as deep as being in love according to writer, Anna Ryan Cronkle.

And although increasing recognition of how important these relationships are has given rise to a day of its own in the form of Galentines ( held on 13 February), surely there’s no need to restrict the celebrations to just one day? After all, many would argue that we should tell our friends we love them on a regular basis.

And while sending Valentines -  or Galentines -  to our besties may be a relatively new trend, historians tell us that before the mid 1800s, people were generally very comfortable with expressing love to their chums and that romance of sorts actually featured prominently within friendships.

Platonic male/female friendships

 And it might be that different types of friendships sustain us.

Take opposite-sex friendships which have a dynamic of their own but can be just as special. The bonds between men and women are changing, with both the men and women in opposite-sex friendships more often seeing each other as friends or confidants rather than romantic interests, especially when those friendships have been longer lasting.

Jenny and Lee from Gogglebox, who have a real chemistry without any romantic involvement, are the perfect example. When we ‘click’ with someone, it’s natural to want to be around them. They make us feel good and are a shoulder to cry on in tough times. If we are doing things right-that’s how they’ll see us too. It goes without saying that nurturing our friendships is crucial if we want them to last.

Pets

Let’s face it, animals are often regarded as preferable to humans and in the case of dogs, tend to demonstrate their affectionate natures unconditionally. Their loyalty and devotion has helped secure their places in the hearts of their owners meaning that, in turn, they are treated as lovingly as they deserve to be. Well, they do say that a dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than he loves himself!

So it comes as no surprise that our four-legged friends out there might expect to receive a card of their own along with a favourite canine treat this Valentine’s Day!

Lovers

Of course, we can’t forget the romance which is central to the day’s history after all.

It may well be viewed as the perfect opportunity to approach a potential boyfriend or girlfriend-albeit indirectly if sending an anonymous card. And far from being a cliché, a marriage proposal could be in the offing for those already in a relationship. It’s also encouraging that 72% of people in the UK who have a partner or spouse consider that partner or spouse to be romantic. Fortunately, that’s on a par with the74% of individuals who consider themselves to be romantic!

This certainly bodes well for those hoping for thoughtfully chosen cards and gifts!

It’s been said that expression of affection builds bridges, warms hearts and can even change lives. This is precisely why we should let those who are important to us know how much we care about them. If we’ve been holding back for any reason, 14^th February is the day to put things right!