Valentine Hearts are red not blue

By Infamous Hussy at en.wikipedia [Public domain], from Wikimedia Commons

Valentine's Day shouldn't be something to shy away from. It's too bad that the focus is always on romantic love. There are so many kinds of love -- romantic love is only a small part of the picture. (Although it gets all the attention.) What about the love of a parent for a child, (and vice versa) or the love of a friend, or the love of mankind? We all share those kinds of love, even if we have never experienced romantic love. In fact, romantic love is so built up in our society, that we have unrealistic expectations about it.

So if the object of our desire doesn't measure up to some perfect ideal that Hollywood has convinced us we must have, or if the person isn't exactly like ourselves or isn't completely flawless, we might think they are not worthy of our time, let alone our affection.

Here are a few examples of different types of love.

In Despicable Me,  a cartoon from Universal studios, the main character is a super villain, full of evil plans to take over the world. His plan to steal a secret weapon using three adorable cookie selling orphan girls goes awry when his cold heart starts to thaw.  I love this scene where the villain (voiced by Steve Carrell) actually turns somewhat heroic in order to win a new unicorn for the youngest orphan after he had destroyed her favourite toy.

Despicable Me (2010)

Now if that's not love....LOL!

I have to admit that I will watch absolutely any movie with Dustin Hoffman in it. He hasn't disappointed me yet. In Rain Man, he plays an autistic man who has been institutionalized for most of his life.  Then his father dies and his brother, played by Tom Cruise discovers a brother he didn't know he had.  

Rain Man (1988)

This depiction of brotherly love takes quite awhile to develop as Raymond, (Hoffman's character) is quite difficult to manage, especially on this road trip. Charlie (played by Cruise) is very impatient and manipulative at first, but soon discovers, he can be patient and loving as well. Raymond also changes and it is heartwarming to watch these two very different brothers forge a loving relationship.

Now this movie is so UN-romantic it is a bit hard to take seriously at first.  This guy seems like the last type of person a woman would want to be in a relationship with, let alone father her child!  However, Seth Rogen gives us a perfect example of a guy who is much better than he seems.  Rather than try to review the movie myself, here is an excellent review on another blog.  Read review here.

Knocked Up (2007)

A very funny coming-of-age movie in the better-late-than-never department.

Love of self can be thought of as a selfish act, afterall, in our society there are far too many selfish individuals.  However, most women I know, who are in service-type careers, or are mothers or thoughtful daughters, sisters or friends often give willingly of themselves for others and find little time to do things just for themselves.
 A wise person knows that you need to take care of yourself first before you can be any use to others. So I was very proud of one of my sisters who, rather than bemoaning the fact that she was alone on her birthday, took herself out to a very nice restaurant, had a very nice meal with a glass of wine, and even had flowers delivered to her table! Rather than think (as some might) that it was a pathetic thing -- I think it was very positive and life affirming!  I was very proud of her!

Here are some of my favourite songs (with a love theme).

What About Love? / Heart

Ann Wilson (Heart) is a rock diva with a voice to rival the best male rockers. This video has the lyrics included so you can sing along with this power ballad from the 1980s.


This song could be one of my theme songs, as I am not very good at hiding my feelings. It is not such a bad thing to wear your heart on your sleeve! :)

I Can't Keep It In / Cat Stevens

This song is probably the most romantic of all my choices. It is also kind of sad as it deals with a love so strong that it transcends death.  But it is so soothing and entrancing that I totally love it!

Soul Meets Body / Death Cab for Cutie

Well, really Love IS all we need.  I can't get tired of this song!

All You Need is Love / The Beatles

Here is my Valentine to all you admirers of a certain bearded actor who is now in dwarf training in New Zealand!

Happy Valentines's Day