A Lonely Valentine’s Day

Alexa! Please, play me “Lonely” by Akon.

I hate to admit that this was a lonely Valentine’s. I’ve never felt lonely on Valentine’s Day because I consider it another day of facing shege or whatever. You know, when people talk “Valentine’s,” I’m always indifferent. I mean, I’ve never really cared much for it—not like I’m a hater or anything close. I just don’t see the point in having expectations knowing it could be a setup for grand disappointment. But today was different. I felt lonely. And this loneliness was independently sponsored by Oghenerunor.

Do you remember those days in secondary school when everyone in a class was paired and mandated to bring gifts for their partners? Those were the times I was closest to getting gifts, but guess what! I never got one. Every time I picked a partner, it was always one from a background where they didn’t care about things like that. So no gift!

I, on the other hand, would beat myself up trying to give a worthy gift. But there was one time I managed to get a card from my partner, and I was pleasantly surprised. I kept it for a long time and occasionally hugged it to my chest whenever I saw it. I won’t be surprised if I still have it saved with some mushy notes I got in school.

I had a culture of getting girls, whom I admired and thought were amazing gifts. I went to an all-girls school, by the way. I got presents for at least two people every Valentine’s until I ran out of people I admired in that way. Maybe if I had accepted the school mother and school daughter applications, my story would have been different. I was quite stern and didn’t give room for all that foolishness. I didn’t even have a best friend. So I guess the blame is on me.

Fast forward to adulthood, and I still can’t relate to all this Valentine’s Day drama. Delivery for me ke! It’s either a prank or kidnappers in disguise trying to get me, because how’s that even possible? Lol. Okay, maybe it’s my bad character that is doing me. I have pursued all my potential Valentines. It is why I will be shocked to my bone marrow if I get a surprise from “man.” But what about my gender? Am I that much of a terrible person? Or you think I don’t like to be surprised? You all can do better. I’ll give you next year to right your wrongs. Else…

Anyway, I actually had plans for this year’s Valentine’s. I wanted to get specific gifts for people who have treated me with nothing but kindness and those I admire and respect (my list included some of my teachers). Unfortunately, life happened. Expenses here and there, and I just knew going ahead with the plan would be really foolish. So maybe next year, God willing.

I really love to gift people; money is just usually an obstacle. Hopefully, I’m in a better place financially next year. I would have still gone ahead with one of my plans, but today just wasn’t it for me. I guess I’ll celebrate Valentine’s Day with this deserving person this weekend.

Well, now that Valentine’s is over, we’re all back on the same level, right? Thinking back on my day, aside from MTN deciding to go on a date for hours, leaving me stranded and unable to do any meaningful work, my day wasn’t totally bad. My highlights were the Valentine’s reminder of how special I am from loved ones and my mom’s call wishing me a happy Valentine’s Day. I swear, that woman is adorable! It made me so happy and warm.

Oh, I almost forgot to mention that I got a gift just before Valentine’s from one of the world’s best huggers. The gift really got to the corners of my heart. I mean, I got a note! Shoutout to EF for the beautiful gift. Come to think of it, I’ve gotten the most gifts from him in recent times (excluding family). He is such a gifter. Let me just have money first; I will be supporting his travel and vacation ministry.

By the way, I’m currently listening to some beautiful soul classics that make me crave a candle-lit dinner with red wine and someone who makes me blush like a thousand wild roses, so much that I wouldn’t be able to hold his gaze for long for fear that he’d see how much he has me wrapped round his fine fingers. Now, look whose “V-Day” is getting better!

Anyway, it’s okay. There’s no pressure. I will do this thing with someone who makes my heart race and my pulse thump someday. One who makes me tingle with electrons of attraction and fills my comb with honey. And it will not be basic. No, it won’t. He will be intentional and thoughtful too. I’ll wait. I’ll not be impatient. It will be beautiful. I don’t know when someday will be, but someday.

Here comes the part where I conclude my sad story of a lonely Valentine’s Day.

To the sweethearts and lovers, I hope your love grows stronger. I’m rooting for you cos I’m a shameless shipper of love. To the ones with bad character like me, you too, change! Stop being wicked. No gifts, no notes, no text messages. Anha! At least I got sweet messages from my friends. I’m not such a terrible person after all. So you can do better. Yes, you! Change!

I know it’s way too late, but Happy Valentine’s Day to you, my loves (every day is Valentine’s for us, right?). May your next Valentine’s Day be better. And if you still don’t receive gifts or treats by next year, I hope your friends and neighbors get some and share them with you. At all at all, na hin bad pass.

To a better Valentine’s Day. Cheers.