Beyond Roses: Zimbabweans Unwrap Diverse Views on ...

Beyond Roses: Zimbabweans Unwrap Diverse Views on Love and February 14th

Michael Mashiri

February, often painted as a month awash with romance, reveals a nuanced picture in Zimbabwe, where diverse perspectives on love and its celebration simmer across generations. While younger couples embrace traditional Valentine’s Day gestures, older couples prioritise deeper, established love, highlighting the evolution of love languages and priorities with age.

For many young Zimbabweans, February 14th is a canvas for grand gestures. Fuelled by societal expectations and peer pressure, the day ignites a flurry of romantic endeavours. Candlelit dinners, crimson bouquets, and heart-shaped chocolates become symbols of affection.

“There’s a certain excitement in showing your love in a grand way on that day,” said 22-year-old Tatenda Moyo, clutching a bouquet of roses for his date. “It’s a reminder of the spark.”

However, this enthusiasm wanes with age, according to Mai Saunyama, 45. “As we grow older, the need to constantly prove our love fades,” she explained. “With children taking centre stage, the love often flows towards them.”

Donald Nyauzima, 49, never embraced the commercial aspect of Valentine’s Day. “It felt manufactured, driven by shops selling their version of love,” he remarked. This sentiment resonates with others who see the day as a marketing ploy, capitalising on emotions rather than genuine connection.

Yet, another perspective emerges, suggesting that February 14th can rekindle love’s embers. Lynettee Tsikwa, 52, acknowledges the challenges older couples face. “The daily grind of raising children and ensuring their well-being can overshadow romance,” she said. Valentine’s Day, she believes, offers an opportunity to rekindle that spark, a reminder of the love that endures beneath the daily routines.

“It’s not about expensive gifts or grand gestures,” Tsikwa emphasised. “Sometimes, a simple handwritten note or a quiet evening together can mean more.”

For MC Melo, a master of ceremonies and event planner, the older generation understands love differently. “They see it as an everyday expression, not confined to a single day,” she stated. Celebrating love on command, she feels, undermines its authenticity.

Ultimately, Zimbabweans across generations agree that love deserves celebration, every day. Regardless of age or tradition, expressing affection and appreciation nourishes the connection that binds us. Whether it’s a handwritten note, a shared moment, or a spontaneous hug, love whispers its language in unique ways.