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Francesca SingHer's avatar

This filled my heart. My husband (British) always seems mildly embarrassed when I tell strangers in public how beautiful their eyes/hair/outfit is, but I keep explaining to him to watch how it changes them, how they beam so brightly at having been seen and appreciated.

Likewise, I always offer to take family photos of groups or couples on vacation who are trying to take selfies or who have one thoughtful member taking the photo but excluded from it. These simple acts of kindness mean something, as silly as they seem. Love is right there to give, and it multiplies when we do. It’s a wonder more people don’t get it, give it, share it.

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Kehinde's avatar

I love this take!! Going to spend the day with my female friends, and write them all cards to tell them how much I love them ♥️

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Deborah Gregory's avatar

Indeed, there's nothing better than spreading love on Valentine's Day (and every day!) – it's the perfect antidote to all the chaos in the world and within ourselves. Thanks Jeanette, for reminding us to share love creatively, with open hearts and open minds.

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Janey Thompson's avatar

What a refreshing take on the subject - thank you!

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Emily Wilkinson's avatar

We have had St Dynwyn's day already here in Wales, two days of love for us! https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dwynwen

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Rosalind's avatar

I love your piece Jeanette, thank you.

Here in Mexico Valentine's Day is called Día del Amor y de la Amistad, not just the day dedicated to love but also to friendship, which takes a lot of the pressure off.

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L’Aura Claire's avatar

A virtual VDay hug for Jeanette for the countless love soaked words and stories she has shared with all of us. Deepest gratitude for her courage, passion and unbreakable, beautiful soul 🙏🏼❤️‍🩹🙏🏼

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vanita barany's avatar

I love your wonderful posts.They make me stop working to slowly read and consider.Thank you

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Donna Rogers. Coterie's avatar

Thanks for that Jeanette. Some traditions are kept to remind us how we got to this point as people. Eg the Jewish tradition of Passover. But we should have the freedom to make new traditions. As you point out Jesus once said you can't put new wine in old wineskins. Valentines day is an opportunity to honor your partner your neighbor or the neighbors cat . The main point is to spread the love however and wherever we can. Thanks for giving us a fresh perspective on an old tradition. Let's remember Valentine as the brave man that he was who stood up for others against the Roman machine and paid the ultimate price for love. We can learn a lot about selfless love from those who have gone before us.❤️

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Fee turner's avatar

every wise word noted and LOVED.... brilliant, thoughtful writing received with love .. thank you Jeanette Winterson please keep it coming ..

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Clare Stevens's avatar

This is a really good idea, especially expressing love of one's friends. I certainly do love mine but rarely show it other than by doing my best to keep in touch.

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Celina Patterson's avatar

that made me teary, thank you for the wise and wonderful words (and good ideas too).

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Inka67's avatar

Love is the raw ingredient, put into sooo many recipes , some of which make it taste delectable , others that sour it beyond recognition. Taste is subjective, imagination (and bravery) is key.

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Claire Whitaker's avatar

Thank you for this take on Valentine’s Day and most of all for writing on this platform. You go!

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Eva Yaa Asantewaa's avatar

We love you, Jeanette! 💖

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𝙅𝙤 ⚢📖🏳️‍🌈's avatar

This is lovely; thank you :)

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