Valentine's Day: Why couples must embrace Valentine's Day!

VALENTINE'S Day is fast-approaching, and South Africans are preparing for this annual occasion.

It's a time symbolised by red roses, candlelit dinners, and Instagram-worthy romantic gestures.

As the country prepares for the big day on Friday, 14 February, the question arises: Should African married couples even bother celebrating it?

Dr Bakhe Dlamini, a marriage and family therapist and relationship expert on Season 1 of Married at First Sight South Africa on Mzansi Magic, is known for his expertise.

With a deep understanding of love and commitment, he weighs in.

Dr Bakhe believes the answer is yes.

"Put aside religious beliefs and race, Valentine's Day is a beautiful concept that transcends cultural barriers. It's a day to commemorate love and remind us all to make an effort in our relationships. Even those struggling in love are encouraged to try. Which community or nation wouldn't want that?" he said.

At the dawn of February 14, many Mzansi women expect flowers, chocolates, and grand romantic surprises.

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Meanwhile, some men are hoping their bank balances survive the day.

Dr Bakhe acknowledges that while love should be mutual, the day has become more about men spoiling their partners.

"All over the world, women in relationships expect a token or gift from their partners on this day. That is still fine," he said.

And if you thought African culture doesn't have space for Valentine's Day, Mzansi is to broaden her romantic horizon.

"Valentine's Day transcends cultural barriers. In Africa, different ethnicities can express love in their own way. What matters is that love is shown," said Dr Bakhe.

Social media makes it easy to see who's winning or failing in the game of love.

Some celebrity couples go all out, flaunting romantic surprises, while others prefer to keep their relationships entirely private.

Dr Bakhe believes fear is the biggest reason some African couples, especially celebrities, avoid flaunting their love.

"There's never been a need, especially in African communities, to model love. People have lost faith in relationships. While privacy is important, we shouldn't let fear shrink us. Whether you're private or public, if the relationship is meant to fail, it'll fail. So, you may as well live and be happy."

So, whether you're going all out to a fancy dinner at a Sandton rooftop restaurant or keeping it simple with a home-cooked meal, one thing is clear: Valentine's Day is what you make of it.

"What matters is that love is shown," Dr Bakhe said.