Martha and Alfred have become a popular item in campus these past four months; they went everywhere together, cafeteria, library, class and sometimes Sunday services and Wednesday fellowship. Coming from the same part of the country even made matters worse, cos most times they went on holidays together, everyone assumed them to be a perfect "couple". Unbeknownst to these teaming fans, they were basically friends, very good friends; though Alfred had intentions of becoming more than friends, but he didn't want to "spoil or lose the friendship" but most interestingly he didn't know how to go about it — Martha on the other hand likes him, but wasn't sure whether it's just a fantasy that will fade once another definition is given to the relationship or if her feelings were real, anyways she wasn't going to ask him out though, she believes the guy should do the chasing.

So here we are, the world believes they have a burgeoning romantic relationship while those in the mix knew better, expectations were high; young people love drama and a good romantic story. To crown it all, Alfred was wary of other guys, so there was subtle pressure and though he enjoys the friendship, he didn't want to be zoned in that department. However, being a hopeless romantic and a shy individual, he's been scheming for about a month now and was contemplating on making his move on Wednesday the 14th, a midweek adventure in February, the famed month of love; he wanted to create a beautiful love story.

So this is February, the month were all romance comes to life, date-nights, proposals, vacations, surprise packages and offers are all being set in motion, it's like the Love-Olympics, everyone is trying to outdo the next person with gestures of love, a beautiful scenario. Let me pause and ask, dear reader do you have a confirmed date for valentine? (Please, don't tell me it's Jesus, He's our eternal Val, forever booked, so come off it) If you don't however, it's not the end of the world, be glad and make merry!

Now let's talk about this February and settle this brewing cold war between the singles and permit me to say, the "doubles" vis-à-vis those in relationships.

There are 28 or 29 days in February just as there are these same number of days in every other month, only that these months come with an extra 3 or 2 days respectively, so in other words the days don't cease to exist in other months. However because St Valentine's day falls in February, the world decides to celebrate him and his sacrifice for love on the 14th, those in relationships normally decide to celebrate specially on that day.

In no particular order here are few things that valentine or February should or shouldn't make you do ;

1. February or Valentine is not equal to being financially reckless: There's this wave of impression that comes with the Val season, when you feel obliged to spoil your partner a little or more, it's beautiful if you can truly afford it but when you honestly can't, don't try to. Remember you just planned your year and still recovering from the debits of December & financial dryness of January, don't go into debt because of fine-dining, if the love is true there are still 10 months in the year to show it.

2. Both genders can be strategic in this season, beware of sudden care & attention: We are young people and we know ourselves, we are definitely not saying it's impossible for genuine care and love to arise in this season, we are only suggesting that you put on your discernment glasses and thinking caps as you engage with love interests and affectionate chats and moments this season. Research and keen observation of times & seasons show that heartbreaks and disappointments abound between valentine and Easter Sunday(so you find sisters and brothers weeping on Good Friday, you'd think it's the Lord's death, not knowing that valentine hangover is involved)

3. Show love & care: The essence of gifts or goodwill is not necessarily in the size or the volume of what is given or said, it's in the heart, the intention, the thoughtfulness. So in this season, give, share joy, send a text, share a compliment, crack a joke, be there for someone, be intentional, be a friend, all we have is ourselves.

4. Buy yourself a rose: In essence, give yourself your flowers, we're all a work-in-progress, mark your weaknesses but celebrate and improve on your strengths, there are no perfect humans anywhere, as we celebrate love, let's look inwards and celebrate ourselves also, it's easier to give love when we first of all love ourselves.

5. Take it easy on the colour: We know red is the colour of the day/season but please red also means danger, kindly desist from suffocating us with pure red suits and gowns with matching red shoes(we're not going for sacrifice). If you must wear red, a touch of it can be used to make a fashion statement, a red tie, a red handbag or stilettoes with a classy gown etc can go a long way.

Lastly, don't be like Alfred who was still plotting and scheming for the perfect moment, till his friend Martha told him that their mutual friend Jaden asked her out on a Val date on the 7th of February. Alfred quite perplexed in his heart and sweating inside reluctantly smiled as he received the information, and continued in his role as a friend. Interestingly that was in 2023, the relationship between Jaden and Martha didn't last more than 4 months, Alfred still kept his place as her good friend, another valentine is coming, who knows what will happen this time?...

Have a lovely valentine, dear friend!