Heather Evans Editorial

Here we are again. The day where, I believe pessimistically, we are all expected to buy into the commericalisation of love. Singletons tend to feel more lonesome than usual, and couples feel the expectation to pull out all the stops. Or, like me, you sit and watch the chaos commence, because really you should be showing the people you love your appreciation everyday, not just for a mere, annual, hyped 24 hours.

So, rather than writing about what Shakespearean sonnet you should be sending to your unobtainable beloved, I’m going to be writing about a certain Grey. No, unfortunately this post isn’t about our dear, handsome Christian gracing our screens currently, or the (sorry, terrible) book by E.L.James. I’m talking about Earl Grey. A brew which I think splits the nation.

Like Valentine’s Day, I try so hard to get on board with it. My housemate has an endless supply of the fragrant tea, but nothing about it entices me. I remember when I first met my new house, and when Earl Grey was one of the teas offered amongst the several other varieties, I immediately thought of it as a test. Is liking Earl Grey a deciding factor on whether I’m deemed a suitable housemate? Will my preferences make me homeless? I’m not even kidding, these were genuine worries.

Luckily, I passed the test without changing my position. I may lose some friends, but here are some reasons why I just cannot hack this beverage:

1. It tastes like perfume. This might be just me, but the aftertaste reminds me of when you accidentally swallow a bit of your hairspray. Ew.
2. I don’t care what anyone says, it goes a funny colour. Who wants to taste a drink that looks dull and unappetizing? No, my hand isn’t up either.
3. It doesn’t go well with biscuits. Going round a friend’s house with a pack of caramel digestives, dunking that goodness into a flowery cuppa is an abomination. Your brew doesn’t taste nice, and neither now does your biscuit.
4. Finally, the smell reminds me of a hospital or nursing home. It smells clinical and overpowering, and a bit like a soap in a hotel room. It isn’t overly appealing and definitely isn’t my cup of tea.

Sorry, but not sorry. As most people know, I am willing to try any beverage and I’m likely to enjoy it. But, alas,  Mr Earl Grey just doesn’t push my buttons. He is one fella that won’t be on my premises.

On a slight more serious note, Valentine’s Day can be quite depressing for some people. With couples and idealised  relationships being splashed everywhere, it’s no surprise. But I just wanted to say that you don’t need an official significant other to spread the love today, or any other day. The special person in your life could be your mother, father, sister, brother, an extended family, or your best mate and partner in crime. Or, more importantly, your significant other could be yourself. Because in life, the best kind of love is self-love.

Although you may not have someone to send a cheesy card to, that doesn’t mean you ain’t lovable or beautiful in your own way. And nothing is more rebellious than admitting that, “Do you know what, I’m bloody great, and one day of the year isn’t going to alter my mind set.” Treat yourself; buy some flowers or a takeaway for one, run a bath or go for drinks with the squad, and spend company with the person who knows you best – yourself. This is all easier said than done, but you don’t need a person to feel validated today. Plus, in order to love someone completely, loving yourself is a good way to start.

If my words don’t convince you, go and have a read of some of Rupi Kaur’s poetry from Milk and Honey. Her words are stunning, and make you feel all empowered and warm inside. If you want a little snippet, here’s one of my favourites:

Really, my message is that you should treat yo’self. I did this the other day when I made a fairy light display from one of my finished coffee jars, which seems appropriate it being coffee and from my lights being heart shaped. So maybe if you, like me, throw away endless coffee jars, make your room more for you by making yourself some home comforts!

And for those Earl Grey lovers,

Happy drinking!

Hev xo