Spirit of the River

 Valentine's Day - it's like Christmas, Easter, and other "holidays": you simply can't escape it. Even bookshops that are usually a place of retreat for me do not know any mercy. Heart-shaped items and lots of red and pink decorations declaring that it's Valentine's Day soon, and that you need to buy something for the love of your life, are everywhere. The day - and also Christmas - makes me wonder why people need a special occasion to show their love (if something like love actually exists).  If you really cared about someone, shouldn't you show them more often than just once a year? Wouldn't it be nicer if you surprised them with something lovely on a day they do not expect it? But I guess, there is a lot of pressure on couples to be a couple on Valentine's Day. And I also guess many women would not forgive it easily if their partner didn't do something special for them on Valentine's Day. It's just something I don't ...