Human beings yearn for connection and belonging. Numerous studies have linked social support to positive mental health. Additional studies have cited the negative emotional impact of loneliness. Research has further revealed people with fewer social relationships die earlier on average than those with more social relationships. Yet with the rise of social media, there are concerns many people appear to be substituting virtual, online connections for real-life, social relationships.

     There is no question the Internet has offered many convenient ways to locate, reconnect and rekindle relationships that otherwise may have been lost. But what precisely does “friending” individuals on sites such as Facebook offer in the form of emotional connection? Many people question the superficiality of such “friendships,” which often leave one frustrated, lonely and struggling to connect on a deeper, more emotionally meaningful level. And there is concern that individuals might forego their real-life interactions in order to maintain online communication.

     Social support can be a strong predictor of positive mental health. Emotional support has been shown to protect us from a wide array of both psychiatric and physical ailments. But unlike online friendships, real-life relationships take time and effort. They help us learn about others and ultimately ourselves.

     Online friendships, while certainly valuable in many ways, lack the ability to provide us with opportunities for deep and lasting emotional closeness. So, accept and seek out your online friends, rekindle lost connections and revisit childhood friendships, as long as it is not at the expense of nurturing and deepening your real-life relationships.

 

yearn: ansiar, anseio.

otherwise: de outra forma, caso contrário.

rekindle: reacender.

one frustated: alguém frustrado.

might forego: pode renunciar, pode deixar de lado.

wide array: ampla variedade.

ailments: doenças

seek out: procurar por.

nurturing: nutrir

lack the ability: faltam com a habilidade.

 

Bonanno, Shelley G. Social Media’s impact on Relationships. PsychCentral. (Oct 8, 2018). Disponível em: <https://psychcentral.com/lib/social-medias-impact-on-relationships/>. 

Acesso em: 24 novembro 2019. Adaptado.

     There are several stories about who Saint Valentines was: one dates to Roman times, another from the 17th century. In both cases the tradition can be traced to a priest who married young couples in secret.  Whatever the true story may be, love is a global phenomenon and Valentine’s Day is celebrated around the world on different times. 

 10. China

     In China the equivalent of Valentine’s Day is the “Qixi Festival,” which means “The Night of Seven,” and is celebrated usually in early August, on the seventh day of the seventh lunar month. 

     In Japan and in Korea the celebration of Saint Valentine’s is on February 14th and  a month later on March 14th, boys have to return the gift with chocolates and more…this day is called “White Day”.

     One day isn't enough to celebrate Valentine's in Argentina, land of Tango.  Argentinians take a week to celebrate the occasion.  In addition to February 14th they set aside seven days in July for “sweetness week.”  From the 13th to the 20th, lovers and friends will exchange candies and kisses. This week typically ends with “Friendship Day”.

     The celebration for Valentine’s Day in these countries is on February 14th, just like in the U.S.

     If flowers are romantic, then Taiwan, which is world famous for its flowers, boasts the most romantic celebration in the world! And they celebrate it twice a year: February 14th and also on July 7th. 

     If you are looking for a huge party, Brazil's Carnival is often running during all of February or March each year, coinciding with Valentine's Day.  The local equivalent to Valentine’s Day is “Dia dos enamorados” or “Lovers day” and is on June 12th.

 

International Tefl Academy. Top 10 Valentine's Day Celebrations Around the World While Teaching English. Disponível em: <https://www.internationalteflacademy.com/blog/bid/113268/top-10-valentine-s-day-celebrations-around-the-world-while-teaching-english>. Acesso em: novembro 2019. Modificado, adaptado.