An award-winning writer who spent part of her career teaching creative writing at the college level, Jamie Cat Callan is best know as the author of “Parisian Charm School,” “Ooh La La!, Bonjour, Happiness!” and the wildly popular “French Women Don’t Sleep Alone.” Inspired by the life of her French grandmother, she traveled all over France and interviewed hundreds and hundreds of French women (and more than a few men) to find their secrets to mystery, beauty, joie de vivre and love at every age.
Prime reached out to Callan with questions about how, in the midst of a pandemic, we could still keep the romance of Valentine’s Day alive for ourselves and our loved ones. She responded:
“The French have lived through more than their share of tumult and tragedy and yet their culture is one that is founded on the idea of love, sensuality, and celebrating the simple and ordinary joys of life, no matter what the circumstances.
“So, how can we borrow a little of that French charm and celebrate Valentine’s Day this year? Here are Prime’s questions – and answers:”
If circumstances have you celebrating Valentine’s Day alone this year, what are some ways you can make it special for yourself?
If you are alone, may I suggest you treat yourself to a bubble bath and then make a Valentine’s Day toast with a little French bubbly. Think about what you are grateful for and what you would like to be doing next Valentine’s Day. Read love poetry or a romantic story out loud. Yes, out loud. There is something powerful about the spoken word, even when you’re alone and your voice echoes throughout your home. Truly, it’s magical and might just make your most heart-felt wishes come true. And besides, reading is very French and much sexier than binge watching on Netflix.
However, with that said, you might watch some romantic movies or some great comedies. This would be especially fun to do in tandem with a friend who is watching the same movie at the same time.
The French are all about dinner parties and doing things in groups and in the era of Zoom, there’s really no reason why you need to be all alone. Why not plan a Zoom Valentine’s Day
Dinner Party where you can tell each other your own love stories? Think of it as kind of like your own personal Modern Love column. The stories you share can be funny or sad or poignant or tragic or all of these things. Celebrating love from the past has a way of opening the door to the possibility of love in your future.
After months of togetherness, and with limited options to celebrate, what are some ways couples can make the day special?
Flirtation is a way of life for the French. The word flirt in French is conter fleurette, a translation of the expression, to talk with flowers. Simply put, this means saying nice things, pretty things, clever things. And yes, wives flirt with husbands, husbands flirt with wives and this happens every day. It’s not something special, but rather part of the ordinariness of daily life.
So, if you’ve forgotten about keeping up the romance and flirtation in your committed relationship, Valentine’s Day is a great way to re-kindle the flames of desire.
You don’t need to go anywhere new, but rather consider making your home environment feel new. Could you “meet” in a new place in your house? Be sure to declutter this romantic space and make it feel fresh. Light candles. Add music. Wear something beautiful and romantic. Signal to your partner that this is no ordinary day. And may I suggest adding the French champagne, the French perfume and the ultimate aphrodisiac - dark chocolate!
In a time of so much sadness, how can we spread the Valentine's Day message of love to others?
This is very simple. Send out old-fashioned Valentine’s Day cards. Friends and family truly appreciate your thoughtfulness and will treasure your sweet little cards that you’ve sent through the old fashioned post. Oh, and you get extra points if they’re homemade! Trés charmant! Very charming!
Editor’s Note:You can follow Jamie Cat Callan on Instagram and Twitter, and sign up for her creativity newsletter at www.JamieCatCallan.com
