It’s that time of year again; come February 14, the world over will be honouring Valentine’s Day.
The tradition of celebrating your love on this particular day dates back to Roman times. The origins of the day are shrouded in mystery – a murky combination of old wives’ tales, urban myths and truth, as romantics would like to believe.
Love him or hate him, St Valentine is behind February 14 and whether you’re single, newly married or old hands, you’ll think of him on the big day.
Global matchmaking service, www.nikah.com, knows a thing or two about romance. Managing director, Syed Peer, says, ‘Valentine’s Day is an opportunity to inject romance into a relationship. Take time to remember happy moments, so look through old photos together or watch your wedding video. Romance needn’t be about grand gestures, and it shouldn’t be limited to one day a year – show you appreciate your partner all year round by thanking and complimenting them or helping them with daily tasks.’
Sure romance needn’t be about grand gestures, but who’d complain from benefiting from one? Chris Kerridge, from Derby in the UK, pulled out all the stops when he proposed to Ami Dixon while on holiday in Abu Dhabi. Chris says, ‘When Ami’s mum and stepdad invited me to Abu Dhabi in June 2013, I decided to propose while there. I stumbled across Captain Tony’s boat cruises online. The day after we arrived, I told Ami I had a surprise for her.
‘On the day, I tucked the ring in my camera bag before arriving at Yas Marina, where a bucket of bubbly on ice, a bouquet of roses and chocolates were waiting for us. We reached open water as the sun was setting, and that’s when Tony cut the engine. I got down on one knee and said, “I’ve got one more surprise,” then proposed with a platinum diamond ring.’
Ami says, ‘When Chris said he had a surprise for me I thought he was taking me for afternoon tea at Emirates Palace, so I was surprised when we arrived at the marina. Even when I saw the bubbly and roses, I still didn’t have a clue Chris would propose. When he pulled out the ring I couldn’t stop laughing. It was perfect. I don’t think I ever actually said yes, but the wedding’s set for November 1 this year, so I must have!’
Of course, some of you will be tutting at the fact that all Chris has done is set the bar high for himself in the future. Just how will he top his romantic proposal when it comes to Valentine’s Day or their first anniversary? Well, here’s how…
