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Antonia Maguire's avatar

I’ve always thought the ‘languages of love’ should be updated to include something along the lines of random, understated, spontaneous and funny dollops of undisputed, romantic nonsense that may or may not arise, depending on the day.

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Antonia Maguire's avatar

Like being taken to The Cow for lunch today 💪🏼

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Shaughna Whelan's avatar

Love it Annie. I was always so cynical about Valentine’s Day. But over the last few years, like your friend, I celebrate love and everyone I love. The world needs more love and your conclusion is perfect- show your love without expectation of the same in return.🩷🩷

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CMAT's avatar

hanging onto a hunk heading to the STI clinic. dreamy !!!!

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Annie Macmanus's avatar

Unfortunately the hunk dumped me a few months later missus - but we will always have STI day 😭😂

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Yvonne Grace's avatar

Annie I loved reading every word of that. Me and my other half don't go in for Valentines day meals out and all that palava either. It is the everyday caring gestures that count. I made a short 1 song each playlist for my 5 best friends while lying in bed last night I started with the Beatles and ended with MGMT rounding off with songs that will trigger common memories for us all. The Doors Love St was one on the list, me an Aisling both crow along to that song remembering teenage crushes on JM. Friendship is the essential love,have a great day xx

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Annie Macmanus's avatar

that's a beautiful thing to do Yvonne.. love it

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Delphine Seddon's avatar

LOVE this Annie! Thank you. ❤️ Hilarious and real. I've written my own piece on the joys of being single and not wasting energy on modern day dating called 'How To Date - or maybe don't bother?' If you fancy checking it out, it's at: https://drivingblindlyintothemist.substack.com/p/how-to-date-or-maybe-dont-bother

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Cristina Rivadulla-Rey's avatar

Love this! I’ve never believed the big grand gestures, but rather take pleasure in the minutiae ; laying my vitamins out for me every night, buying me a pastry with my coffee when I haven’t asked for one (but you know I always want one), sending me songs that you know we’ll both enjoy dancing in the kitchen to, kissing the back of my hand randomly. These thing mean so much more to me, I think they make me feel like I’m your person, that you are thinking about me. A tenderness that a heart shaped box of shit chocolate just doesn’t convey.

I do however love the idea of extending this affection to others, particularly your kids and friends. That love is not constrained by intimate love nor is that the highest ranking. Finding joy and spreading that is the goal. Thanks for the reminder Annie

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Ciara Mc Carthy's avatar

Love this piece of writing and the joy it brings with it. Thank you

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Ali Keogh's avatar

Brilliant piece! I needed this today. Thanks Annie. 🥰🥰🥰

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Florence Rodriguez's avatar

Love u Annie!

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Andrea Anderson's avatar

Loved reading this. Slurping a cuppa, brought to me from my lovely mister, whilst I avoid the Valentines shiz on social media xx

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Anna Taylor's avatar

All of this Annie! Clearing up sick is true romance 💕 We have had a special breakfast and my children made each other cards ♥️♥️ celebrate joy and love.

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Sarra Moore's avatar

Oh I loved this Thankyou 🥰 sat in the car listening to desert island discs and reading this and I’m jn tears 😂 I can’t even blame perimenopause, I’m just a big softy! My husband of a million years (who I always think isn’t romantic) surprises me more and more with his romantic gestures. He recently secretly sowed wild flower seed in mud surrounding our house with our daughter as he knew I was upset about our garden being demolished (long story). He wrote a poem for our 20th wedding anniversary! It’s all come as a surprise to me as he’s so logical and pragmatic. I’m the romantic soppy one in our relationship , or so I thought… I love how relationships change and morph…. Anyway back to the article! I too agree with celebrating love in all its forms, which is a new feeling for me as previous to motherhood I vehemently felt it was romantic relationships only. I’m also totally up for celebrating differentiation, any excuse for a bit more joy. Especially in the middle of Feb ❤️ Happy Valentines

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Nicola Donnelly's avatar

The piece I didn’t know I wanted to read today… until I did. ❤️

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Sara Isaacs's avatar

I love to celebrate everything whenever possible and have found myself going back to the roots of where each celebration or festival came from. I hate the commercial aspects of it all but I’m a big advocate of LOVE 🧡🙏🏼 so hubby, daughters and Grandbaby will all get spoilt with food and affection 🥰

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FreeKite's avatar

This cheered me up along with a sunny morning so Thanx… and love 💚

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Katie's avatar

Such a lovely piece! My partner and I celebrate Valentines, usually by getting a take away or going out for food. It’s just an excuse to do something ‘special’ & have something to look forward to. And after reading this, we’ll be doing pancake day, too!

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