Valen'TOwN'

Every year, the Over-hyped theme for Valentine’s Day gets bigger and bigger, and in recent years its gone from a hyped day to a week-long celebration. In case you don’t know (I didn’t know this information before this post), it starts from 7th Feb, starts from Rose day, Propose day,  Chocolate day, Teddy day, Promise day, hug day, Kiss day and then V-day (puff!! I had to google this and I don’t think it's in the right order!). Big corporations are capitalising on the theme by consciously marketing it in a way that couples feel pressured to get on the trend. I know I'm going to hurt so many people’s sentiments by writing this. The same sentiments go for Mothers day or Fathers day. But hey! Who am I to judge if someone is spending on a stuffed bear?

This post is not for the Valentine, it's about the Valen’TOwN' – the place(s) we fell in love. The place(s) that made us go crazy. The place(s) that hold so many memories are a Valen'TOwN'  of our hearts.

Forever love – Home tops my list, home is my safe space, my emotional bunker, and it doesn’t matter how luxurious the Airbnb or the vacations offer. Home is the place where I am emotionally unguarded and allowed to wear my least attractive clothing.

Unexpected breakup I assumed my hometown would be a runner-up, but being away for more than 25 years, our chemistry has evaporated.  Visiting now feels like being an uninvited guest at a party where I’ve forgotten everyone’s names. We have nothing left to talk about. The town I grew up in doesn’t feel like where I belong anymore. I feel like a guest and out of place.

First Love - Then there is the city where I first attempted to be an adult. This is where I obtained my first car, first job, my first mobile, first apartment to live on my own, and many more firsts. This place has my sentiments, and in a parallel universe, I could be moving back.

Motherhood love - Next is the city where I spent my first four years as a mom. What I loved most wasn't the city itself (although it’s a beautiful and vibrant city), but the community. I had a great support system of other mothers. We all came from different backgrounds and helped each other learn how to parent. I felt alive and supported there. Those memories are very precious to me.

Current affair- Finally, there is my current city for twenty years. We have a very healthy, open relationship. I frequently take this city on "blind dates," exploring unfamiliar suburbs and eateries. We keep the sparks alive by going on new dates and repeating dates

New Dates	Exploring hidden hiking trails and distant beaches.
Repeat Dates	Walking the exact same park/garden path for the thousandth time.

 

The Brief Flings- I admit, I am prone to "vacation infatuation." Every time I visit a new country, I briefly consider packing my bags and moving there permanently. But once the excitement fades, I realize that nothing can compete with home. Sorry, rest of the world; I’m committed.

Whats on your Valen-Town? 

Related post from the past - Blind Date