@twinklerkhanna

‘It is possible that Valentine’s Day itself could have started as an experiment. In some medieval version of a board meeting, there must have been a discussion about sales being down in the post-Christmas slump and how they had to get people already broke from buying gifts to buy gifts for the same people again with their next paycheck. On the other hand, German-American philosopher Hannah Arendt once said, ‘An experience makes its appearance only when it is being said. And unless it is said, it is, so to speak, non-existent.’ With all its consumerism, Valentine’s Day perhaps makes the abstraction of love more concrete. Though if you ask women who have been married for over a decade, the most honest answer to ‘What did your husband give you on Valentine’s Day?’ would be, ‘As usual, a headache.’ Love, in fact, may be the ultimate thought experiment. It’s a paradox where accepting each other’s flaws creates an imperfectly perfect connection, with or without wilting red roses and an Archie’s card featuring two cartoon hearts winking at each other.’ To read the entire column, head to the link in my bio and stories or grab a copy of @timesofindia and let me know what love means to you in the comments below

February 11, 2024