Here in Switzerland, or Europe for that matter, Valentine's Day is starting to become as commercial as it is in the US. It was never really important here and it's gone from being something one knows about by watching American movies to a day when one has to buy a box of chocolates or flowers to acknowledge someone.

I enjoy Valentine's Day for what it means, but don't care for the red heart balloons. For me it's a day to tell someone you love them or, if love is too strong a word, that you respect and enjoy being with them. Giving someone a heartfelt gift, be it a bunch of brightly colored tulips, a thoughtful card or even just a warm hug means in my eyes to much more than the obligatory box of truffles.

Happy Valentine's Day!