Don't lose your head this Valentines

Valentine's week is here. Many refer to the week preceding February 14 as the lover's week - never mind that most people don't give a hoot about this day.

Back in the day, we were taught how to conduct ourselves during Valentine's Day.

It was common to see old men (and women) advising young men to only spend their time and money on serious chicks.

We were naturally romantic regardless of whether it was Valentine's Day or not and we did not have to wait until February 14 to show our feelings.

Love is a serious thing.

The other day I was approached to advise a boy who had given up on life after losing his girlfriend to some older man.

The young man, a first year at the university was madly in love with a girl who was her classmate. She was the dream of his life. I am told the boy used to pay part of her school fee after introducing her to his parents as a future wife.

A few months later, the girl moved out of the college hostel to live in a two-bedroom apartment. The rent was in the neighbourhood of Sh45,000. Somehow, she was now rolling in dough. The boy was happy for her and would occasionally visit.

One day, during his normal visits, he met this old man seating in his girlfriend's house. The 'sponsor' sat in the living room sipping whisky. The boy became violent. Meanwhile, the 'sponsor' maintained his cool.

The old man asked the girl to excuse them so they could talk, man-to-man. He then proceeded to give the boy some fatherly advice. He started by asking the boy whether he knew the girl well, to which the boy answered in the affirmative. He then wanted to know if he had considered who was paying the rent - the girl came from a poor background. He then finished by telling the boy that people don't eat love, they need food that can only be bought with money.

In yet another love story, a friend of mine was in a relationship with a working-class woman. Theirs was a perfect union until last year during Valentine's Day.

Like other lovers, my friend sent flowers and chocolates to the woman's house. To show her appreciation, the beautiful lass offered him some wine. She then disappeared into the bathroom.

But as my friend was busy drinking wine, another man walked in, and said hello before sitting down and serving himself some wine.

I'm told he even offered to place my friend's flowers in a verse. So, my friend relaxed, thinking this was just some random relative from the village.

Shortly afterwards, the woman came from the shower, said hello to the guest then disappeared into her room. Moments later, the guest followed her. Our good friend remained behind frothing at the mouth and watching TV as the two lovebirds got busy.

To while away time, he started eating the same chocolates he had brought. Moments later, the guest emerged from the room in a towel. "Buda bado uko hapa (man, you are still here)?," he asked.

My friend who lived in Kitengela told the guest that he had no money to grab a cab. The good man offered to drop him on his expensive SUV ride. The woman was just smiling at the unfolding events. The guest advised my friend to look for chicks of his class. He even offered that he was actually married and that they were just having a fling and the woman had no problem with it.

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@AineaOjiambo