<p>The much-awaited time of the year is here again. Undeniably, most of us try and go the extra mile to make that loved one feel extra special on the dedicated day of love.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This Valentine&#39;s day if you have not had the time to plan something elaborate and special, do not worry. We present to you some of our all-time favourite rooftop restaurants in the capital city where a romantic dinner is sure to make your Valentine&#39;s evening a wee bit more special.</p>

<p>Each one of these outlets is a perfect mix of chic decor, great ambience and food that will hit just about the right chords in your heart.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Pick the one that suits your needs, make a quick reservation and voila! You are sorted for the day.</p>

<p>Happy Valentine&#39;s Day 2018!</p>

<p><iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/eI1pjXrn0yU" width="560"></iframe></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Kylin</strong></p>

<p>You can pick and choose from Sky Bar at Kylin Premier and Set&rsquo;z at Vasant Kunj. These are great for outdoor seating and romantic beyond imagination.</p>

<p><em><u>Where</u>: T-302, 3rd Floor, Ambience Mall, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi<br />
<u>Meal for two</u>: INR 2500/- approx</em><em> </em></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<p><strong>Cherie One - Qutub</strong></p>

<p>Cherie One offers a breathtaking view of the classic Qutub Minar. You can choose to sit in the courtyard or on their perfectly lit terrace. The food is delighting to the palate, the ambience is the one that leaves a lasting impression.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em><u>Where</u>: 1501, Kalka Das Marg, Mehrauli, New Delhi 110030<br />
<u>Meal for two</u>: INR 2000/- approx</em></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allowtransparency="true" class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-4" frameborder="0" height="818" id="instagram-embed-4" scrolling="no" src="https://www.instagram.com/p/wBfcrnx0Gu/embed/?cr=1&amp;v=8&amp;wp=822#%7B%22ci%22%3A4%2C%22os%22%3A14610.555000000002%7D" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-radius: 3px; max-width: 658px; width: calc(100% - 2px); box-shadow: none; border: 1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219); display: block; padding: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 12px;"></iframe><script async defer src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script></div>
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<p><strong>Imperfecto</strong></p>

<p>For those who wouldn&#39;t mind dancing to the tune of a hip song or two, Imperfecto (nestled in various locations across Delhi/NCR) is a perfect balance between uber cool and charming in its own way. Their cocktails (Oh, the Sangrias and the Mimosas) and all things Mediterranean are to die for! &nbsp;</p>

<p><em><u>Where</u>: Gurgaon, Noida, Hauz Khas<br />
<u>Meal for two</u>: INR 2000/- approx</em></p>

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<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allowtransparency="true" class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-5" frameborder="0" height="818" id="instagram-embed-5" scrolling="no" src="https://www.instagram.com/p/BeuhdWCnsWt/embed/?cr=1&amp;v=8&amp;wp=822#%7B%22ci%22%3A5%2C%22os%22%3A14616.595000000001%7D" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-radius: 3px; max-width: 658px; width: calc(100% - 2px); box-shadow: none; border: 1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219); display: block; padding: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 12px;"></iframe><script async defer src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script></div>
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<p><strong>The Potbelly Caf&eacute;</strong></p>

<p>Love Bihari food? This one gets it all right and serves it in style. The prawn curry here is to die for. You can also try their decadent shakes. And the ambience? The one you will not regret being a part of tonight!&nbsp;</p>

<p><em><u>Where</u>: 116-C, 4th Floor, Shahpur Jat, New Delhi<br />
<u>Meal for two</u>: INR 1500/- approx.</em><em> </em></p>

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<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BUzW-HCAbp5/" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by The Potbelly Rooftop Cafe (@potbellycafe)</a> on <time datetime="2017-06-01T15:46:07+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">Jun 1, 2017 at 8:46am PDT</time></p>
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<p><strong>Hyper Local</strong></p>

<p>This one is one of the dazzling outlets in the bustling SDA Market. From lip-smacking food to a dreamy, picturesque view of South Delhi, the restaurant hits all the right notes.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Their rooftop is ideal for a quiet evening with your loved one. Choose from their list of peppy cocktails and delectable pizzas.</p>

<p><em><u>Where</u>: C 5, SDA Market, SDA, New Delhi<br />
<u>Cost for two</u>: INR 1000/- approx</em><em> </em></p>

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<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BYaxsOonZG0/" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Hyperlocalsda (@hyperlocalsda)</a> on <time datetime="2017-08-30T12:44:10+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">Aug 30, 2017 at 5:44am PDT</time></p>
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Pick the one that suits your needs, make a quick reservation and voila! you are sorted today

The much-awaited time of the year is here again. Undeniably, most of us try and go the extra mile to make that loved one feel extra special on the dedicated day of love. This Valentine's day if you have not had the time to plan something elaborate and special, do not worry. We present to you some of our all-time favourite rooftop restaurants in the capital city where a romantic dinner is sure to make your Valentine's evening a wee bit more special. Each one of these outlets is a perfect mix of chic decor, great ambience and food that will hit just about the right chords in your heart. Pick the one that suits your needs, make a quick reservation and voila! You are sorted for the day. Happy Valentine's Day 2018! Kylin You can pick and choose from Sky Bar at Kylin Premier and Set’z at Vasant Kunj. These are great for outdoor seating and romantic beyond imagination. Where: T-302, 3rd Floor, Ambience Mall, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi Meal for two: INR 2500/- approx × Cherie One - Qutub Cherie One offers a breathtaking view of the classic Qutub Minar. You can choose to sit in the courtyard or on their perfectly lit terrace. The food is delighting to the palate, the ambience is the one that leaves a lasting impression. Where: 1501, Kalka Das Marg, Mehrauli, New Delhi 110030 Meal for two: INR 2000/- approx × Imperfecto For those who wouldn't mind dancing to the tune of a hip song or two, Imperfecto (nestled in various locations across Delhi/NCR) is a perfect balance between uber cool and charming in its own way. Their cocktails (Oh, the Sangrias and the Mimosas) and all things Mediterranean are to die for! Where: Gurgaon, Noida, Hauz Khas Meal for two: INR 2000/- approx × The Potbelly Café Love Bihari food? This one gets it all right and serves it in style. The prawn curry here is to die for. You can also try their decadent shakes. And the ambience? The one you will not regret being a part of tonight! Where: 116-C, 4th Floor, Shahpur Jat, New Delhi Meal for two: INR 1500/- approx. A post shared by The Potbelly Rooftop Cafe (@potbellycafe) on Jun 1, 2017 at 8:46am PDT × Hyper Local This one is one of the dazzling outlets in the bustling SDA Market. From lip-smacking food to a dreamy, picturesque view of South Delhi, the restaurant hits all the right notes. Their rooftop is ideal for a quiet evening with your loved one. Choose from their list of peppy cocktails and delectable pizzas. Where: C 5, SDA Market, SDA, New Delhi Cost for two: INR 1000/- approx A post shared by Hyperlocalsda (@hyperlocalsda) on Aug 30, 2017 at 5:44am PDT ×

Valentine's Day Special: 5 rooftop restaurants in Delhi you must try

<p>&ldquo;Will you be my Valentine?&rdquo;</p>

<p>People all across the country say those words in the run-up to February 14 and the Valentine&rsquo;s Day holiday. Whether you&rsquo;re asking a brand new paramour or a long-term partner, the question can evoke feelings both of romantic uncertainty and possibility.</p>

<p>But for the well-being of ourselves and our relationships, &ldquo;Will you be my Valentine?&rdquo; is the wrong question. Instead, the more important question to ask yourself is &ldquo;<i>Should</i> you be my Valentine?&rdquo;</p>

<p>Relationships can be one of the most important sources of happiness in your life, with social connections serving as a key provider of happiness and meaningfulness. Not surprisingly, human beings have a very powerful drive to form and maintain relationships. After all, the future of humankind depends on people coupling up to conceive and raise the next generation. Because forming relationships is such a powerful motivator, being in any relationship can seem better than being alone. A variety of factors can lull us into relationship complacency &ndash; compatibility, friendship, shared interests, inertia, fear of being single or low expectations. The drive to be paired off may lead you to settle for the relationship you have, instead of the relationship you deserve.</p>

<p>Figuring out whether your relationship is thriving or merely surviving is daunting. In the hunt for &ldquo;the one,&rdquo; how can you know for sure if your partner is the type of person who&rsquo;s best for you and your long-term happiness? Thankfully, scientists who study relationships know a lot about factors to consider when weighing whether your partner should be your Valentine, this year and beyond.</p>

<figure class="align-center zoomable"><a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/110693/original/image-20160208-2602-mephfr.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=1000&amp;fit=clip"><img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/110693/original/image-20160208-2602-mephfr.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;fit=clip" /></a>

<figcaption><span class="caption">Is there a better Valentine prospect for you out there?</span> <span class="attribution"><a class="source" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/vintagehalloweencollector/3196479757">Dave</a>, <a class="license" href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/">CC BY-ND</a></span></figcaption>
</figure>

<h2>&nbsp;</h2>

<p><strong>The problem of greener grass</strong></p>

<p>No one wants to settle. We all want to be with the best possible partner. In your relationship, how often do you find yourself wondering if you could do better? Are there preferable partners out there whom you&rsquo;d find more interesting, enjoyable, smarter or funnier? Does your current partner pale in comparison with what else might be out there?</p>

<p>Researchers call these perceptions of other possible partners your quality of alternatives. Psychologists measure your perceived quality of alternatives by assessing responses to statements such as &ldquo;If I weren&rsquo;t dating my partner, I would do fine &ndash; I would find another appealing person to date.&rdquo;</p>

<p>Agreeing with this kind of statement and believing you have high-quality alternatives may sound desirable because you have confidence in yourself and your ability to attract a good partner. However, thinking about and monitoring other partner options can undermine your present relationship&rsquo;s stability. This type of decreased commitment to whom you&rsquo;re currently with increases negative behaviors like cheating.</p>

<p>Ultimately, you should be in a relationship where you don&rsquo;t even notice any other greener grass because you&rsquo;re with someone whom you think is the best for you, and who thinks you&rsquo;re the best for him or her.</p>

<p><strong>Building a better you</strong></p>

<p>Relationships provide a lot of benefits. Someone to share your Netflix account with, to talk with about your day, to take care of you when you&rsquo;re not feeling well. Our social relationships positively affect our physical health, including buffering against high blood pressure and heart disease, and improving mental health by decreasing depression, anxiety and substance abuse. It all adds up to building a healthy, meaningful life together with someone.</p>

<figure class="align-left zoomable"><a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/110692/original/image-20160208-2625-12qb4z9.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=1000&amp;fit=clip"><img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/110692/original/image-20160208-2625-12qb4z9.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=237&amp;fit=clip" /></a>

<figcaption>
<p><span class="caption">Does your Valentine help make you a better you?</span> <span class="attribution"><a class="source" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/vintagehalloweencollector/3233736009">Dave</a>, <a class="license" href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/">CC BY-ND</a></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
</figcaption>
</figure>

<p>A good relationship also provides a partner who helps you become a better person. Researchers refer to this experience as self-expansion. It&rsquo;s your relationship&rsquo;s ability to provide you with opportunities for self-growth. Whether you learn new photography skills, develop a new perspective on politics, gain a new identity such as &ldquo;organic gardener&rdquo; or simply feel like a better, more capable person, self-expansion has benefits.</p>

<p>Relationships that include more self-expansion are more satisfying, more committed, have higher levels of passionate love, experience less boredom, and have partners who are less likely to pay attention to other potential partners and less likely to cheat. (If you&rsquo;re wondering how much of this valuable quality you have in your relationship, check out the self-expansion quiz.)</p>

<p>Given the potential consequences of being stuck in a rut, less passionate love and more cheating, if your partner is not helping build a better you, it is time for a better partner.</p>

<p><strong>Check with your peeps</strong></p>

<p>Who is the best judge of your relationship&rsquo;s future? You, or your friends and family?</p>

<p>To investigate, researchers asked people in romantic relationships to predict their relationship&rsquo;s future and compared their predictions to those made by their roommate and mom. The daters thought their own relationship would last two to three times longer than what their friends and family anticipated. And people rated their own relationships as significantly better than how others saw them from the outside.</p>

<p>Parents, perhaps because their own longer relationship experiences gave them insight into what to look for, were most likely to identify problems. Friends made the most accurate predictions, but it was the person in the relationship who was most confident in the assessment they made about their own relationship.</p>

<figure class="align-right zoomable"><a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/110694/original/image-20160208-2634-1wp0ets.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=1000&amp;fit=clip"><img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/110694/original/image-20160208-2634-1wp0ets.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=237&amp;fit=clip" /></a>

<figcaption><span class="caption">Romeos and Juliets are more optimistic and confident about their relationships&rsquo; prospects.</span> <span class="attribution"><a class="source" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/vintagehalloweencollector/3212945820">Dave</a>, <a class="license" href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/">CC BY-ND</a></span></figcaption>
</figure>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Consider that for a second &ndash; it&rsquo;s not a good combination. When thinking about our own relationship, this research suggests that we are highly confident in our predictions, which are often inaccurate.</p>

<p>Give your friends and family some credit, because this research shows that they have unique insights into your relationship. After all, they&rsquo;re looking out for your best interests and have a greater ability to see the relationship clearly and objectively without getting swayed by the heady mix of feelings and attraction you likely have for your partner. When in doubt, ask the people in your life who care about you whether your partner really should be your Valentine.</p>

<p>Knowing whether you are with the best possible partner for you is difficult. While many of us get driver&rsquo;s education and sex education in high school, we don&rsquo;t get &ldquo;relationships ed.&rdquo;</p>

<p><img alt="The Conversation" height="1" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/54137/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" width="1" />But learning what science has to say about what makes for a good relationship can help. Being informed ultimately helps us make better decisions about whether to stay or go. After all, not being part of a sappy couple during the chocolates-and-flowers Valentine&rsquo;s hoopla is hardly the end of the world &ndash; especially if it means you&rsquo;re ready to find the relationship you should have, according to science.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)</em>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>This article was originally published on <a href="http://theconversation.com" rel="nofollow" target="blank">The Conversation</a>. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/should-you-be-my-valentine-research-helps-identify-good-and-bad-romantic-relationships-54137" rel="nofollow" target="blank">original article</a>.</p>


You should be in a relationship where you don’t even notice any other greener grass because you’re with someone whom you think is the best for you, and who thinks you’re the best for him or her.

“Will you be my Valentine?” People all across the country say those words in the run-up to February 14 and the Valentine’s Day holiday. Whether you’re asking a brand new paramour or a long-term partner, the question can evoke feelings both of romantic uncertainty and possibility. But for the well-being of ourselves and our relationships, “Will you be my Valentine?” is the wrong question. Instead, the more important question to ask yourself is “Should you be my Valentine?” Relationships can be one of the most important sources of happiness in your life, with social connections serving as a key provider of happiness and meaningfulness. Not surprisingly, human beings have a very powerful drive to form and maintain relationships. After all, the future of humankind depends on people coupling up to conceive and raise the next generation. Because forming relationships is such a powerful motivator, being in any relationship can seem better than being alone. A variety of factors can lull us into relationship complacency – compatibility, friendship, shared interests, inertia, fear of being single or low expectations. The drive to be paired off may lead you to settle for the relationship you have, instead of the relationship you deserve. Figuring out whether your relationship is thriving or merely surviving is daunting. In the hunt for “the one,” how can you know for sure if your partner is the type of person who’s best for you and your long-term happiness? Thankfully, scientists who study relationships know a lot about factors to consider when weighing whether your partner should be your Valentine, this year and beyond. Is there a better Valentine prospect for you out there? Dave, CC BY-ND The problem of greener grass No one wants to settle. We all want to be with the best possible partner. In your relationship, how often do you find yourself wondering if you could do better? Are there preferable partners out there whom you’d find more interesting, enjoyable, smarter or funnier? Does your current partner pale in comparison with what else might be out there? Researchers call these perceptions of other possible partners your quality of alternatives. Psychologists measure your perceived quality of alternatives by assessing responses to statements such as “If I weren’t dating my partner, I would do fine – I would find another appealing person to date.” Agreeing with this kind of statement and believing you have high-quality alternatives may sound desirable because you have confidence in yourself and your ability to attract a good partner. However, thinking about and monitoring other partner options can undermine your present relationship’s stability. This type of decreased commitment to whom you’re currently with increases negative behaviors like cheating. Ultimately, you should be in a relationship where you don’t even notice any other greener grass because you’re with someone whom you think is the best for you, and who thinks you’re the best for him or her. Building a better you Relationships provide a lot of benefits. Someone to share your Netflix account with, to talk with about your day, to take care of you when you’re not feeling well. Our social relationships positively affect our physical health, including buffering against high blood pressure and heart disease, and improving mental health by decreasing depression, anxiety and substance abuse. It all adds up to building a healthy, meaningful life together with someone. Does your Valentine help make you a better you? Dave, CC BY-ND A good relationship also provides a partner who helps you become a better person. Researchers refer to this experience as self-expansion. It’s your relationship’s ability to provide you with opportunities for self-growth. Whether you learn new photography skills, develop a new perspective on politics, gain a new identity such as “organic gardener” or simply feel like a better, more capable person, self-expansion has benefits. Relationships that include more self-expansion are more satisfying, more committed, have higher levels of passionate love, experience less boredom, and have partners who are less likely to pay attention to other potential partners and less likely to cheat. (If you’re wondering how much of this valuable quality you have in your relationship, check out the self-expansion quiz.) Given the potential consequences of being stuck in a rut, less passionate love and more cheating, if your partner is not helping build a better you, it is time for a better partner. Check with your peeps Who is the best judge of your relationship’s future? You, or your friends and family? To investigate, researchers asked people in romantic relationships to predict their relationship’s future and compared their predictions to those made by their roommate and mom. The daters thought their own relationship would last two to three times longer than what their friends and family anticipated. And people rated their own relationships as significantly better than how others saw them from the outside. Parents, perhaps because their own longer relationship experiences gave them insight into what to look for, were most likely to identify problems. Friends made the most accurate predictions, but it was the person in the relationship who was most confident in the assessment they made about their own relationship. Romeos and Juliets are more optimistic and confident about their relationships’ prospects. Dave, CC BY-ND Consider that for a second – it’s not a good combination. When thinking about our own relationship, this research suggests that we are highly confident in our predictions, which are often inaccurate. Give your friends and family some credit, because this research shows that they have unique insights into your relationship. After all, they’re looking out for your best interests and have a greater ability to see the relationship clearly and objectively without getting swayed by the heady mix of feelings and attraction you likely have for your partner. When in doubt, ask the people in your life who care about you whether your partner really should be your Valentine. Knowing whether you are with the best possible partner for you is difficult. While many of us get driver’s education and sex education in high school, we don’t get “relationships ed.” But learning what science has to say about what makes for a good relationship can help. Being informed ultimately helps us make better decisions about whether to stay or go. After all, not being part of a sappy couple during the chocolates-and-flowers Valentine’s hoopla is hardly the end of the world – especially if it means you’re ready to find the relationship you should have, according to science. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL) This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article.

Opinion: Should you be my Valentine? This is how you find out

<p>If you&rsquo;d asked someone to be your Valentine before the 14th century, they&rsquo;d probably have looked at you as if you were mad. And checked you weren&rsquo;t holding an axe.</p>

<p>There were two saints by the name of Valentine who were venerated on February 14 during the Middle Ages. Both Valentines were supposedly Christian priests who fell foul of Roman officials keen on decapitation. But there&rsquo;s little in the early legends of either saint to suggest a highly successful posthumous career as assistant Cupid. So I wouldn&rsquo;t go to them for tips.</p>

<p>It was probably Geoffrey Chaucer who got the Valentine&rsquo;s ball rolling. In his Parliament of Fowls, Chaucer imagined the goddess Nature pairing off all the birds for the year to come on &ldquo;Seint Valentynes day&rdquo;.</p>

<p>First up is the queenly eagle. She&rsquo;s wooed at great length by noble birds-of-prey, much to the annoyance of the ducks and cuckoos and other low-ranking birds (eager to get on with getting it on):</p>

<blockquote>
<p>&lsquo;Come on!&rsquo; they cried, &lsquo;Alas, you us offend!<br />
When will your cursed pleading have an end?&rsquo;</p>
</blockquote>

<figure class="align-center "><img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/110848/original/image-20160209-12577-1p5xyso.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;fit=clip" />
<figcaption><span class="caption">It&rsquo;s lurve.</span> <span class="attribution"><span class="source">Rick Carey/Shutterstock</span></span></figcaption>
</figure>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Amid impatient squawks rivalling our very own Prime Minister&rsquo;s Questions (&ldquo;Kek kek! kokkow! quek quek!&rdquo;), the she-eagle can&rsquo;t decide which suitor most deserves her love. So she resolves to keep &rsquo;em keen till the following year.</p>

<p>But why on earth did Chaucer pick a date in February for his avian assembly? England&rsquo;s birds aren&rsquo;t exactly in full voice at this time of year, even with global warming. Perhaps he was thinking of an obscure St Valentine celebrated in Genoa in the month of May. But the Valentines f&ecirc;ted on February 14 were better-known, and that was the date that stuck. Of course, when it comes to matters of the heart, we can hardly expect reason to triumph.</p>

<p><strong>Fiction to fact</strong></p>

<p>Murky origins didn&rsquo;t matter for too long, however. By the turn of the 15th century, fictional lovebirds weren&rsquo;t the only ones singing their hearts out on Valentine&rsquo;s day.</p>

<p>According to its founding charter, a society known as the &ldquo;Court of Love&rdquo; was set up in France in 1400 as a distraction from a particularly nasty bout of plague. This curious document stipulates that every February 14: &ldquo;when the little birds resume their sweet song&rdquo; (sure about that, guys?), members should meet in Paris for a splendid supper. Male guests were to bring a love song of their own composition, to be judged by an all-female panel. More effort than Tinder demands, then. But if you want to make an effort&hellip;</p>

<figure class="align-center "><img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/110636/original/image-20160208-2589-73fm2l.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;fit=clip" />
<figcaption><span class="caption">Detail of a 15th-century miniature depicting an allegorical court of love (Royal 16 F II, f. 1)</span> <span class="attribution"><span class="source">British Library</span></span></figcaption>
</figure>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>There&rsquo;s no evidence that the Court of Love convened as often as planned (its charter provided for monthly meetings in addition to February 14 festivities). But nor does it seem to have been pure poetic fiction. Eventually totalling 950 or so, participants represented quite a cross-section of society, from the king of France to the <i>petite bourgeoisie</i>. Valentine&rsquo;s day romance was no longer just for the eagles.</p>

<p>Today&rsquo;s February 14 love-fest, then, is perhaps the result of a group of medieval men and women making life imitate art. If so, their mimicry wasn&rsquo;t necessarily na&iuml;ve. By staging the most poetic of avian courtship rituals, Chaucer&rsquo;s Parliament of Fowls prompts its audiences to ponder the differences between their &ldquo;artistic&rdquo; courtship and the birds&rsquo; &ldquo;natural&rdquo; one. Texts like this one helped medieval audiences understand their identities as the product of cultural artefacts. And in this regard they can still help us today.</p>

<p><strong>Four medieval tips</strong></p>

<figure class="align-right "><img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/110631/original/image-20160208-2637-wf8bv1.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=237&amp;fit=clip" />
<figcaption><span class="caption">On this 14th-century coffret, a man surrenders his heart to Lady Love.</span> <span class="attribution"><a class="source" href="http://www.metmuseum.org">The Metropolitan Museum of Art (www.metmuseum.org)</a></span></figcaption>
</figure>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>On a more practical note, medieval literature can be of assistance if you&rsquo;re yet to find a gift for a special someone this Valentine&rsquo;s day. Forget about flashy jewellery; here are some love tokens suitable for every budget:</p>

<ul>
	<li>Looking to reignite that spark in your relationship? In his 12th-century Art of Courtly Love Andreas Capellanus suggests buying your partner a washbasin. Who needs expensive perfume when a good wash may do the trick?</li>
	<li>How about personalising some of your beloved&rsquo;s clothes? Add fasteners only you know how to undo and you&rsquo;ve got yourself an instant chastity belt. (See the 12th-century tales by Marie de France for examples of suitable garments.)</li>
	<li>Alternatively, upcycle one of your lover&rsquo;s old shirts by sewing strands of your hair into it. To judge by Alexander&rsquo;s reaction in the 12th-century romance of Clig&eacute;s by Chr&eacute;tien de Troyes, they&rsquo;ll never want to wear anything else. (Hand-wash only.)</li>
	<li>And if the above just don&rsquo;t seem heartfelt enough, you could always take a leaf out of Le Chastelain de Couci&rsquo;s book, who (according to his 13th-century biography) <i>literally</i> gave his heart to his lover. (Beware unwanted side effects.)</li>
</ul>

<p>Top tip: provide a little literary and historical context with the above gifts and there&rsquo;s even a chance your Valentine won&rsquo;t look at you as if you&rsquo;re holding an axe.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>This article was originally published on <a href="http://theconversation.com" rel="nofollow" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);" target="blank">The Conversation</a>. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/some-top-tips-for-valentines-day-from-medieval-lovers-54198" rel="nofollow" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);" target="blank">original article</a>.</p>


Forget about flashy jewellery; here are some love tokens suitable for every budget, culled from medieval literature.

If you’d asked someone to be your Valentine before the 14th century, they’d probably have looked at you as if you were mad. And checked you weren’t holding an axe. There were two saints by the name of Valentine who were venerated on February 14 during the Middle Ages. Both Valentines were supposedly Christian priests who fell foul of Roman officials keen on decapitation. But there’s little in the early legends of either saint to suggest a highly successful posthumous career as assistant Cupid. So I wouldn’t go to them for tips. It was probably Geoffrey Chaucer who got the Valentine’s ball rolling. In his Parliament of Fowls, Chaucer imagined the goddess Nature pairing off all the birds for the year to come on “Seint Valentynes day”. First up is the queenly eagle. She’s wooed at great length by noble birds-of-prey, much to the annoyance of the ducks and cuckoos and other low-ranking birds (eager to get on with getting it on): ‘Come on!’ they cried, ‘Alas, you us offend! When will your cursed pleading have an end?’ It’s lurve. Rick Carey/Shutterstock Amid impatient squawks rivalling our very own Prime Minister’s Questions (“Kek kek! kokkow! quek quek!”), the she-eagle can’t decide which suitor most deserves her love. So she resolves to keep ’em keen till the following year. But why on earth did Chaucer pick a date in February for his avian assembly? England’s birds aren’t exactly in full voice at this time of year, even with global warming. Perhaps he was thinking of an obscure St Valentine celebrated in Genoa in the month of May. But the Valentines fêted on February 14 were better-known, and that was the date that stuck. Of course, when it comes to matters of the heart, we can hardly expect reason to triumph. Fiction to fact Murky origins didn’t matter for too long, however. By the turn of the 15th century, fictional lovebirds weren’t the only ones singing their hearts out on Valentine’s day. According to its founding charter, a society known as the “Court of Love” was set up in France in 1400 as a distraction from a particularly nasty bout of plague. This curious document stipulates that every February 14: “when the little birds resume their sweet song” (sure about that, guys?), members should meet in Paris for a splendid supper. Male guests were to bring a love song of their own composition, to be judged by an all-female panel. More effort than Tinder demands, then. But if you want to make an effort… Detail of a 15th-century miniature depicting an allegorical court of love (Royal 16 F II, f. 1) British Library There’s no evidence that the Court of Love convened as often as planned (its charter provided for monthly meetings in addition to February 14 festivities). But nor does it seem to have been pure poetic fiction. Eventually totalling 950 or so, participants represented quite a cross-section of society, from the king of France to the petite bourgeoisie. Valentine’s day romance was no longer just for the eagles. Today’s February 14 love-fest, then, is perhaps the result of a group of medieval men and women making life imitate art. If so, their mimicry wasn’t necessarily naïve. By staging the most poetic of avian courtship rituals, Chaucer’s Parliament of Fowls prompts its audiences to ponder the differences between their “artistic” courtship and the birds’ “natural” one. Texts like this one helped medieval audiences understand their identities as the product of cultural artefacts. And in this regard they can still help us today. Four medieval tips On this 14th-century coffret, a man surrenders his heart to Lady Love. The Metropolitan Museum of Art (www.metmuseum.org) On a more practical note, medieval literature can be of assistance if you’re yet to find a gift for a special someone this Valentine’s day. Forget about flashy jewellery; here are some love tokens suitable for every budget: Looking to reignite that spark in your relationship? In his 12th-century Art of Courtly Love Andreas Capellanus suggests buying your partner a washbasin. Who needs expensive perfume when a good wash may do the trick? How about personalising some of your beloved’s clothes? Add fasteners only you know how to undo and you’ve got yourself an instant chastity belt. (See the 12th-century tales by Marie de France for examples of suitable garments.) Alternatively, upcycle one of your lover’s old shirts by sewing strands of your hair into it. To judge by Alexander’s reaction in the 12th-century romance of Cligés by Chrétien de Troyes, they’ll never want to wear anything else. (Hand-wash only.) And if the above just don’t seem heartfelt enough, you could always take a leaf out of Le Chastelain de Couci’s book, who (according to his 13th-century biography) literally gave his heart to his lover. (Beware unwanted side effects.) Top tip: provide a little literary and historical context with the above gifts and there’s even a chance your Valentine won’t look at you as if you’re holding an axe. This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article.

Opinion: Valentine's Day made special with a gift of Washbasin, Chastity belt, strands of hair