Ystävänpäivä – you have to remember this word for Scrabble, it scores a lot of points! Behind this tongue twister there is definitely Valentine's Day in Finnish. Similar to the Americans, the Finns involve much more than their partner on this day. “Ystävänpäivä” also translates as “Friends’ Day”. Whether it's family, neighbors, colleagues - or even friends: you surprise them on this day with flowers, chocolate or a nice greeting (you can also leave everything on their doorstep without contact). Even the children grow up with this beautiful tradition and make cards for their friends. “Hyvää ystävänpäivää!”, everyone wishes everyone on this day: “Happy Friends Day!”

The Italians know how Amore functions! Traditionally, couples meet at bridges on Valentine's Day and put small locks there with their names engraved on them. Then they throw the key into the river and rejoice in their eternal love. It's proven that the key is gone, so the lock and the relationship also hold, it's logical!

By the way, this custom has made it to many German cities. The most famous Love Bridge In this country the Hohenzollern Bridge is probably in Cologne. Whenever I shoot in the city and see the castles, my heart swells. Even if it's just a symbol, I find it somehow moving that so many people make their love visible in this way. By the way, the railway wanted to remove all the locks in 2018 because they were putting too much strain on the bridge. But after a storm of outrage they withdrew the plans. Love wins in the end!

Think big – or would you rather think bigger? Whether it's Gangnam style, K-pop or crazy food trends: the South Koreans are known for always going the extra mile - including on Valentine's Day. Or rather: on Valentine's Day, because in South Korea the festival of love is celebrated every month! On January 14th, lovers give each other diaries. On February 14th only men get something, on March 14th it's the women's turn. And if you're without a partner, you can treat yourself to a very special pasta dish on April 14th. So every month is planned out. The year of love ends on December 14th with “Hug Day”. On this day you hug the person you particularly like. Do you know what my deepest wish is right now? May we soon have lots of real “days of hugs” again!

Things get mysterious on Valentine's Day in Denmark. The Danes send each other small gifts and greeting cards - but everything anonymously. So the recipient has to guess who is secretly thinking about them... Also super sweet, right?

“Notting Hill”, “Four Weddings and a Funeral” or “Love Actually”: When it comes to romantic comedies, the British simply have it! They also let it rip on Valentine's Day. On February 14th, it feels like the whole of London is drowning in a single bouquet of roses! Many British women usually take their flowers to work... it shows that you have something or someone! In Corona times, apartments will probably be flooded with roses. By the way: I think you could give yourself flowers more often. Why always wait for someone? The woman is herself!