It happened on the 14th of February 2013 and I will not forget.

You might be wondering what happened on February 14, 2013. I don't share this story too often, but since a new February 14th is coming soon, I think I will have to share it to address some misconceptions I have been seeing online and in some blogs I have been reading.

What really is Valentine's or what happened on that day that we all celebrate every year? Many people don't know the story of Valentine's but want to read it in a simple format. Valentine’s Day, celebrated on February 14, is a day dedicated to love, romance, and appreciation. It is believed to have originated from Saint Valentine, a priest who secretly married couples in ancient Rome despite a ban on marriage by Emperor Claudius II. Over time, it evolved into a day to express love through gifts, flowers, chocolates, and heartfelt messages.

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13th February 2013

One cool evening after our dinner, we all sat in the sitting room. My dad was sitting on his favorite couch and my mom was next to him. My siblings and I were sitting in different chairs, waiting for my dad to tell us a story like he used to do. "Do you know what's happening tomorrow?" he asked that awkward question and the only reason it was awkward was because of the stories we have heard about the 14th of February. We all thought it was for lovers, boyfriends, and girlfriends; it was for couples to make out and all sorts. Our naive nature couldn't allow us to answer the question. I looked at my big sister and she looked away. Our born, who was more naive than all of us, said, "Daddy, tomorrow is Valentine." He said it with happiness in his eyes and we all looked at him with our jaws dropped like he had said something forbidden. "You are correct, my son," my dad said.

"Tomorrow is a special day and it's a day to spread love to everyone around you but the first place you should share that love should be with your family." He said while looking very serious so we all paid more attention this time.

"Valentine's is a day to tell everyone I love you without any problem because love is the greatest thing we can give to another person. So tomorrow, make sure you tell your mom I love you; your sister and brother, tell them I love you."

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After so much talk, we all went to sleep and the perspective I have about Valentine's started changing. I started seeing Valentine in a new way; it's not a day for immorality but a day to tell anyone I see "I love you" without any form of awkwardness.

The next morning, after our devotion, we told each other "Happy Valentine's day" and "I love you." It came so naturally with all iota of sincerity. That night, my dad got all of us gifts and I began to see Valentine's in another way; he gave us gifts and asked us to give it to our friends and then tell them happy Valentine.

So to me, this is what Valentine's Day is all about. On the 14th of this month, I will be sending gifts to my siblings and my parents while telling them I love you. I will be texting "Happy Valentine's Day" and "I love you" to some of my friends. I will also post it on my status on my social media. I will try to put a smile on two people's faces, and then that will be all. This is my Valentine.

Thanks for reading.

This is my entry for the hivenaija weekly prompt.

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