Not "in love" with Valentine's Day

Hearts, chocolates, cards and flowers have already made their way into stores, but not everyone is happy about the impending arrival of Valentine's... However, this unofficial holiday poses greater risks that not selecting the right gift. For example:

• In India many Hindu and Muslim extremist groups usually protest the holiday which they believe corrupts moral values. Burning cards and holding rallies are not the only issues – in the past, some groups have even threatened to harm couples who are caught holding hands or engaging in other public displays of affection.
• In the Philippines, this year marks the third anniversary of the Valentine’s Day bombings in the cities of Makati, General Santos and Davao which killed six people and wounded ninety others. Last year, officials tightened security in Manila and other major cities to prevent further attacks on the anniversary.
• In Lebanon, there is a risk of civil unrest on this day because it is the anniversary of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri's assassination in 2005.

Elsewhere in the world, Valentine’s Day can be the prompt for a variety of threats and hoaxes. On the homefront, many tech companies are already warning about computer viruses and worms in Valentine's emails.

What can you do about the risks if you're travelling abroad? Keep your ears open for any news about security concerns, and expect increased security measures in some areas. Be aware of the local laws and culture and act accordingly. When in doubt, celebrate the holiday in private.