Reflections on love, the ultimate gift

Valentine’s Day is now over, but many of our minds continue wander to the hopes, dreams, trials and tribulations of romantic love — this timeless, boundless phenomenon that somehow has the power to transcend and supersede all others in affecting our behavior. At the same time, this elusive yet obtainable marvel provides hope for the weak, humility for the strong, and a wide range of other unpredictable, sometimes irrational, emotions for those in between.

It drives you to invest in yourself to become the best person you can be and, just as importantly, to be able to share your feelings with others. And if you’re lucky enough to find that special someone, these same investments are still required over time in order to maintain its glorious benefits as you grow and change.

So dream on, dreamers. Love is indeed the ultimate gift. It even comes with a special return policy — it actually works

when it is returned. What a deal. Though the Valentine’s celebration lasts only for a day, let the ongoing quest continue for the rest of the year, even as our focus shifts back to the more mundane things of everyday life — like the dentist bill we get from eating that leftover Valentine candy.

Sleep well, everyone.