FEBRUARY 14: A DAY OF LOVING AND BEING LOVED

Love, Beloved, Valentine’s Day, a day to love, a day to be loved…

It’s something that cannot be contained within a single day.

It flows through life, spreads, moves from hand to hand, from heart to heart.

I suddenly felt like interviewing myself.

What does Valentine’s Day mean to you, Mine?

I don’t feel the need to separate this day from all the other days when I love and feel loved. Maybe my answer lies here.

They say to truly love someone, you must love unconditionally.But is that really possible?

The human mind holds countless memories, experiences, and emotions, each with its own taste, scent, and feeling. We can’t see or hear things independent of them.

So, can we really love unconditionally?

Perhaps not. But we can love despite all conditions.

Wanting to be loved just as we are sounds ideal, but is it always realistic?

When I reflect on those I love, I realize:

I love those who flow lightly, those who bend without breaking.

I love those who embrace change, even when they are afraid.

I love authenticity—those who can say yes but also no.

I love those who own both their light and their darkness.

I love those who don’t hide their flaws, who don’t try too hard to look perfect.

Everyone wants to be seen in a good light, but moderation is key.

I love those who draw inspiration from others instead of envy.

Those who acknowledge their jealousy instead of pretending it doesn’t exist.

Because we are all human. We all feel it.

I love those who understand that words can’t always be taken back.That once something is spoken, it cannot always be erased.

I love those who take responsibility for their words.

Not those who excuse themselves with:

"I was angry!"

"I was drunk!"

"I was just in the mood!"

No. If you said it, own it.

And this list? It could go on forever.

Why am I saying all this?

Because these are reflections of my life.

Moments turned into words.

Lessons I’ve learned.

Things I’ve worked hard to practice.

And sometimes, things I’ve failed to do.

I want love to be about balance, understanding, and respect.

Like the quiet clink of two coffee cups.

Two people who truly see and hear each other.

And with that thought, I raise my cup to those I love, to those who love me, to those I cherish—and to the beautiful humans and animals who make this life richer.