For above all things Love means sweetness, and truth, and measure; yea, loyalty to the loved one and to your word. And because of this I dare not meddle with so high a matter. Marie de France
“In the sweetness of friendship let there be laughter, and sharing of pleasures. For in the dew of little things the heart finds its morning is refreshed”. Kahlil Gibran
Love can be expressed in many ways and to many or all of your relationships. I don't mean that you should have many ….. Friends like that, but you can also show love for parents, siblings, children, grandparents, neighbours and so on. St. Valentine is synonymous with love.
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Sweets are normally considered as heavenly but they may actually transport some people to heaven too! Sugar, fat, calories and all that!
What are the sweets you can consider for an Indian Valentine and not be caught by our fanatics who do not want us to adopt Western culture. Just watch out that you don't get too close to your ‘sweetheart' in any public place.
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Sweets things and sweet nothings
Chocolates are favourites for sweetheart gifts and for every other reason and season too. In case you are calorie conscious, stick to dark and bitter chocolate.
In case you worry that this may be construed to mirror your thoughts, just keep them heart shaped. You won't be misunderstood! You may even choose white chocolate to prove the purity of your intentions!
Fruits and nuts are nutritious gifts, which are equally or more expensive than chocolates, but your partner may not appreciate a practical look for a fascinating day!
These are OK for Diwali and puja and for senior citizens, in case your partner is one! The Valentine fever is catching up there too! Rest assured!
Indian sweets
Are Indian sweets suitable at all? They should be, if we consider that they are very, very sweet, indicating how sweet you can be with your sweetheart.
You can get the sweets adapted to Valentine's Day, by requesting for heart-shaped ones. All pedas, halwas and sweet cakes can assume this shape easily. Imagine your sweetheart's surprise when you ask a jilebi/jangri wallah to pour heart shapes! I'm sure he can, when he is so adept at drawing flowers and alphabets with the batter, on hot oil! What a special show of love this can be! Hot and sweet!
Any food served on Valentine's Day could be shaped like a heart. Biriyani, naan, paratta, upma, idly, dosai, cutlets, pizzas and what have you... Your friendship with the chef should be on a heart-to-heart basis to get such dramatic results!
For runny and soft food which cannot hold shape, heart-shaped cutlery can serve the purpose. So, remember that love need not be limited to material gifts only. You can eat it too and make both your hearts soar to higher levels by just showing your affection in a myriad thoughtful ways.
Use your imagination and create novel methods to suit your partner's tastes. Don't be just practical, be fantastic!! ”We are one big family of people, trying to make our way through the unfolding puzzle of life. We are all connected to one another in the heart. Connecting with the ultimate source of love is possible through discovering the hidden power in your heart”
Sara Paddison, in Hidden Power of the Heart.
See! I told you, its hearts all the way, and in every which way!
Happy Valentine's Day!
The author is Dean, Academy of Fitness Management, FitnessOne.