By Petronella Sibeene WINDHOEK To many, it is the most beautiful day ever in their love-coated lives. The other half feels it is just an ordinary day, like any other, when profit-driven organizations – especially florist shops – describe it as the best February day considering the profit margin that comes with it. For many centuries, St Valentine’s Day has been celebrated on February 14 by lovers. Today, the day has brought about mixed feelings. Some people have described it as being like herpes – just when you think it’s gone for good, it rears its ugly head once more. Yes, it’s that special time of year when chocolate manufacturers and greeting card companies encourage you to demonstrate the extent of your fondness in cold, hard cash on February 14. New Era went to the streets to get people’s views on Valentine’s Day “Anti-Valentino”: The First Lady – Penehupifo Pohamba: “Valentine’s Day is not important because to me, it is just like any other day. In my tradition there is nothing different about the day, although nowadays people have attached meaning to it. Even if I do not have any plans for this day, let people celebrate it. I wish them good luck and happiness as they remember the day for their favourites.” Ralph Hornung: “I don’t celebrate Valentine’s Day. If you love someon,e then you will show it every day. For me it will be business as usual. My wife and I have been married for 10 years, and yesterday we talked about it. Today will be business as usual.” Desiewaar Heita: “To me the day is not significant. Every day should be the same if you love someone. I actually have no special plans for the day. I do not participate in commercialized things.” Ronnie Links: “Even if some people view Valentine’s Day as something that emotionally stabilizes that special person, I will not celebrate the day. I will be working.” “For Valentino” Fiona Kamwi: “Valentine’s Day is a chance for me to be spoilt. You do not get pampered at all times, but on a day like this you are made to feel extra special. Although my husband is not a ‘gift’ kind of person, he will always go out of his way on this day. It is a special day, especially that it is at the beginning of the year.This year I intend to spoil my husband differently. I will get stuck in the bush and I will ask him to come rescue me.” Samson John: “Valentine’s is the time to remind our loved ones that we care. I usually spend this day with my lady but, unfortunately, this year I will not be able to. Anyway, I have already bought a gift for her and will give it to her in the morning before I go for the match.” Vera Puati: “Valentine’s will not be that ‘special’ this year. My partner is in Angola. Usually we have a party with friends, and later spend time with our partners. We meet somewhere and exchange gifts. It’s a day to celebrate our love.” Abel Augustino: “This is a day to reflect on our relationships, an opportunity to show that we care for each another and its history does not matter. I will take my wife to a very nice place where we can see animals, and much more.”