You can listen to this podcast and practice your speaking while reading a complete transcript on my website speakwithnick.it podcast – the link is in the description.

Accetta il fatto che non capirai tutto subito con un solo ascolto, cerca di intuire il significato con un approccio positivo e curioso ascoltando i ritmi ei suoni. Dopo utilizza la trascrizione e il language focus per arrivare ad una comprensione completa. A questo punto ti invito a praticare il tuo parlato ad alta voce insieme a me ‘shadowing my speech’. Se trovi utile e interessante il tema scrivi le frasi più belle e prova ad utilizzarle nelle tue giornate, così aggiungi writing and thinking in English. OK let’s begin...

It’s Valentine’s week. Are you feeling the love? No? If you’re not head over heels in love don’t worry, there’s something for everyone! Love isn’t just about romance, it’s about friendship, family, and most importantly, self-love.

Galentine’s Day on the 13th of February is a day to celebrate female friendships. The word Galentine is a mix of the words ‘gal’ and ‘valentine’. It’s a portmanteau, which means a word that blends the sounds and meanings of two other words. ‘Gal’ is American slang for ‘girl’. Galentine’s Day became popular from 2010 thanks to the American TV series Parks and Recreation. In the show, the main character, Leslie Knope, decides that the day before Valentine’s day should be to honour her closest female friends. Since then, it has taken off as a real celebration! Whether it’s a lunch date, a spa day, or just a heartfelt message, it’s a reminder that true friendship is one of life’s greatest gifts. In England people love sending greetings cards for all and any occasions so you can find some great Galentine’s Day cards too!

Valentine’s Day, needing no presentation, is traditionally for couples. It conjures up images of roses, heart shaped chocolates and candlelit dinners, but it can also remind you to reconnect with your partner or friends. Nobody says you can’t swap Valentine’s cards with your friends, so why not exchange some sweet treats, or even plan a fun night in with a film and snacks, after all, friends deserve chocolates too!

Singles Appreciation Day on the 15th of February is a day for self-love. If you’re not married or not in a romantic relationship you don’t have to feel pressured to conform to the media’s image of what life should look like! Being single doesn’t mean being alone, it means self-discovery, and having the freedom to do things on your own terms. So this Saturday enjoy your favourite hobby, buy yourself something special and take a break from normal routines.

Self-love is arguably more important than any other kind of love. We often focus so much on taking care of others that we forget about our own needs, but celebrating yourself isn’t selfish – it’s necessary! Take a moment to write a list of everything you’ve accomplished, big or small. Maybe you’ve worked hard at your job, you’ve been there for a friend, or simply you’ve made it through a tough week, that’s worth recognising! 

Remember, you can’t pour from an empty cup, which means if you don’t take care of yourself, physically, emotionally, or mentally, you won’t have the right energy to give to others.

I want to give you a few film and book suggestions for Valentine’s week … 

🎬 If you’re in the mood for a romantic film the choice is never ending. Here are two of my favourite romantic comedies: Four Weddings and a Funeral from 1994 with Hugh Grant is a feel-good British classic and My Best Friend’s Wedding from 1991 with Julia Roberts and Rupert Everett is super fun!

📖 If you prefer a romantic book, Pride and Prejudice from 1813 by Jane Austen is full of wit, charm and love that stands the test of time, although the language is outdated for new English learners. A modern choice could be The Time Traveller’s Wife from 2003 by Audrey Niffenegger. It’s a love story about Henry, a man with a genetic disorder that causes him to time travel unpredictably, and about Clare, his wife.

🎬 If you’re planning a fun night in with some girlfriends then Thelma and Louise from 1991 is a wild road-movie about two friends who take a break from their dreary lives. It captures the spirit of adventure, freedom, and takes women’s liberation beyond all limits. If you plan on watching it in the original language, the dialogue is in a strong southern American accent.

📖 Finally, a great read I recommend for all English learners is Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls from 2016. Written in English by Elena Favilli and Francesca Cavallo, it’s a series of two children’s books, featuring short stories about 100 real women who are excellent role models for children and adults alike. It’s easy to read and super inspiring!

No matter your relationship status, Valentine’s week isn’t just about romance, it’s about cherishing yourself and the people who bring joy to your life. 💕

Are you celebrating Valentine’s Day this year and if so how?
Have I given you any new ideas about celebrating love this week?
Let me know! 

You contact me via my website ask@speakwithnick.it

And also on my website, as I said at the start of this podcast, you can listen to my voice as you read the transcript. There’s also a language focus to help you with some of the more unusual phrases I’ve used. The link is in the description. 

With love, ciao for now!