MANILA – It’s the most romantic day of the year where hearts go aflutter, the sweetest words uttered, and feelings of love matter.
Valentine’s Day, a.k.a. the day of love, is the perfect opportunity to express love and affection to your special someone.
Confessing your love to someone can get a bit rough and daunting especially if you let your feelings out in the open.
However, we could learn a thing or two from the most romantic couples in classic literature to help us woo the love of our lives even in the real and modern world.
1. Write a love letter (or sappy Instagram captions)
Never underestimate the power of words as messages of love can be felt between and beyond the lines. Sure, a box of chocolates and a bunch of flowers can give that temporary rush, but words straight from the heart can last a lifetime.
In William Shakespeare’s play Hamlet, Prince Hamlet’s feelings for Ophelia might have been muddled with his thirst for vengeance, but he was able to convey it through a tender love letter.
Hamlet gave Ophelia his assurance to not doubt his love for her no matter the odds: “Doubt thou the stars are fire; Doubt that the sun doth move; Doubt truth to be a liar; But never doubt I love.”
Handwritten love letters may be a thing of the past in the digital scene, so you could opt to skip the pen and write a sappy caption for a sweet confession post on social media instead. It doesn’t have to be poetic or fancy, for as long as it’s heartfelt, it might trend its way to your lover’s heart.
2. Time to impress
Valentine’s Day is the best chance for you to show off and impress your crush without being too extra.
In the Great Gatsby, Jay Gatsby often threw extravagant, lavish parties just for his old flame Daisy to come through – in hopes of gaining the attention of the only woman he had ever loved.
Gatsby, in all his passion, looked at Daisy “in a way that every young girl wants to be looked at.”
It wouldn’t hurt to put in extra effort to make that person feel special and loved.
3. Have a wingman
The role of a wingman is crucial in the world of dating. The wingman, acting as cupid, is there to support you in your endeavors to pursue a potential romantic partner.
Stiva Oblonsky in Anna Karenina could be considered a wingman in classic literature when he introduced his sister Anna to her paramour, Count Vronsky, which spurred one of the most controversial love affairs in the world of fiction.
Oblonsky is also that booster friend for Konstantin Levin who suffered anxiety in his initially unrequited love for Kitty.
A great wingman increases your desirability and the chances of you standing out among the crowd.
4. Create a memorable moment
Professing your love for someone is momentous in itself, but it’s equally important to make that moment meaningful and memorable.
Star-crossed lovers Romeo and Juliet, entangled in a young passionate love, declared their love for each other at Juliet’s balcony. The balcony scene is considered the most famous scene in the Shakespearean play.
Taking the cue from this, you could take that special person on an adventurous hike to the mountains, a dramatic candlelit dinner, a cultured trip to museums, or a simple walk in the park to create that magical moment for a love confession.
5. Don’t be afraid of rejection
Maybe what’s hindering us from revealing our true feelings to our special someone is the fear of rejection.
In Pride and Prejudice, Mr. Darcy have failed in his first attempt at a marriage proposal, but it did not diminish his affections for the lovely Ms. Elizabeth Bennet and he eventually succeeded in his second try.
“In vain have I struggled. It will not do. My feelings will not be repressed. You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you,” Darcy said to Elizabeth.
We wouldn’t figure out if the feelings are mutual unless we take that bold step of confessing our love. Who knows your crush might even like you back.
Let these tales of love inspire your real-life romance. As the saying goes, life imitates literature. (Filane Mikee Cervantes/PNA)
