When Valentine's Day is green

The colour of Valentine's Day is traditionally red, but for some it's Health Sciences green - a verdant green, dripping with envy.

To be the only girl in the class without a rose; the only student without a card or the only single person without a date ... it's all pretty sad when Cupid's firing off love arrows all around one.

I didn't see too much evidence of Cupid at work on campus till I visited the main building on South Campus. There one of the personal assistant's was sharing how a fellow staff member had Valentine chocolates and cup cakes, complete with shiny trimmings, to ensure that everyone felt loved. She beamed as she shared this kindness.

But that beam broadened into a massive smile when a man carrying a huge bouquet of roses arrived ... her husband!

Who says romance is dead?

And then red became green for the rest of us because everyone wants to be made to feel special.

It doesn't have to be roses, chocolates or even cards. Just a simple acknowledgement that we're special will do it.

So please make an extra effort to make those close to you feel special today.

On a sad note, we extend our condolences to the family of Reeva Steenkamp, an NMMU Law graduate, who was killed in a tragic shooting involving her boyfriend, blade runner Oscar Pistorius.