By Prudence Okonna
Is it out of place to say that Valentine’s Day has never really been my thing? Not because I don’t enjoy the euphoria, the soft launches, the red roses, the public displays of “God when?” and all the beautiful shenanigans that come with February 14.
But somehow, it has never consistently felt special to me. I’ve dated. I’ve been in a couple of relationships. But only one stands out.
Let’s call him Ade. I met Ade during my diploma days. I was giddy and my fellow Naija babes know exactly what that means.
Butterflies doing overtime. Smiling at nothing. Checking your phone every two minutes. It was exciting, fun, beautiful, and sweet… until it wasn’t.But let’s stay with the sweet part.
We were just students living within the modest boundaries of our allowances and his meagre earnings from a photography business that had only just found its feet.
There were no luxury dinners or designer gifts. Just two young people figuring life out, one laugh at a time.
The first and only Valentine’s Day we spent together remains unforgettable. It felt like a scene from a movie. We had a picnic. We went to the zoo. With his camera slung around his neck, we explored nature like wide-eyed adventurers.
We hopped into a “lambo keke” (don’t ask, just know it had vibes) and traversed the length and breadth of the city like we owned it.
We even wandered into the forest back when Nigeria wasn’t synonymous with kidnapping headlines, whispering sweet nothings and dreaming aloud about a future we were certain was ours.
It was simple. It was wild. It was young love in its purest form. That day etched itself into my memory not because it led to a happily ever after, but because it was beautifully present.
Happy endings don’t always grow from beautiful memories. But that doesn’t make the memories any less magical.
So here’s to Valentine’s Day, whether you’re boo’d up, situationship-ed, married, single, or somewhere between “it’s complicated” and “God abeg.” Make good memories.
Sometimes, they’re the only souvenirs love leaves behind. Happy Valentine’s Day. Xoxo — without the X (lol).
*Another exclusive by People&Politics, this account is a true life story -like others published earlier today.
They’re all part of our sumptuous offering to millions of our dear readers across the world.
Enjoy your Valentine’s Day please. 🍷❤️.
-Editor.
