By Lloyd Takawira
Valentine’s Day, marked as the special day of love to spend time with your partner.
Adopted from the western culture, Valentine’s Day has been famed with the youthful in relationships donning red outfits and merry making.
However this year’s love day celebrations were slow with only a few couples spotted dressed in Valentine’s theme colours, red, black and white while most went about their business.
In a snap survey by Bustop TV in the CBD lovebirds were purchasing cards, flower bouquets for their significant others.
A number of of ladies were shopping around in the spirit of the Valentine’s leap year tradition.
Boutiques had their attendants clad in red with Valentine’s promotions on offer.
Florists were not to be outdone as they were the busiest with more and more people flocking into their shops.
However one florist identified as Emma Matiringe said her business was slow this Valentines compared to other previous years.
“Usually business blooms at this time of the year as I get to sell a lot of roses, but this year zvakadhakwa .”
One Charity Marandure said the day remained special to her and had to be celebrated despite economic hardships .
“Well in the morning we just said happy Valentine’s to each other as I was rushing to work. I however have a surprise prepared for my spouse as this day is special because I get an opportunity to go an extra mile to show my love for him.”
Others who spoke to BustopTV however said they were not too keen on Valentine’s Day .
Mbuya Garikai a vendor in the Harare CBD said “people should not wait for this day, but should always show appreciation to their lovers everyday “.
Another added, “I do not need to wear red and black regalia to show that I’m celebrating the day. I know what day it is and what I should do for my lover.
“I know it’s a leap year and she’s supposed to get me gifts, but I like spoiling her so I’ll do so.”
But, one thing was clear, with each passing year, the Valentine’s fever seems to be dying down, just like Christmas.
Former Miss Zimbabwe, Lorraine Maphala took to her social media page posting Valentine’s Day was for teenagers as those her age have outgrown this overrated day.
“As I wait patiently for Women’s Day . . . Dear 2000s, enjoy your day,” captioned Maphala on an image of herself.
Even on social media platforms, there were not many posts of people bragging about gifts or even flowers they had received from their partners.
Some men said they were waiting on their women to spoil them since this year is a leap year.
“Clearly, women are very stingy. The way they’ve ignored the day is worrying yet they know very well that they must spoil us since it’s a leap year. Maybe I’ve spoken too early as they may have special treats for us later on,” fumed one Tich Simbi.