Valentine’s Day: Roses, Romance… and Red Flags

Valentine’s Day in Belize goes beyond roses and chocolates. It’s a time when couples take a closer look at what’s really working in their relationships, and what isn’t. While florists hustle to keep up with the rush and love is definitely in the air, many Belizeans say they’re paying just as much attention to red flags as they are to red roses. So today, we hit the streets to find out what people see as the biggest deal breakers, and how some are choosing to keep love alive this Valentine’s Day. News Five’s Paul Lopez has the story.

 

Paul Lopez, Reporting

It’s that time of year again, love is in full bloom, and nothing says Valentine’s Day quite like chocolates and a fresh bouquet of roses. And today, business was booming at Flora‑sol Belize, where shoppers packed the aisles in search of the perfect romantic gesture.

 

Carla Hart, Co-Owner, Flora-sol Belize

“I think every shop in Belize is just as busy. We have a population of over four hundred thousand and we have a lot of people wanting to give a symbol of love to their significant other, their moms, sisters, so yeah it is very busy. I was on the show this morning, and our capacity, I think we max out at around a hundred and fifty. We are a bit over two hundred already. But we do have in store options for walk-ins, people who couldn’t preorder.”

 

 

Aside from red roses and heart‑shaped treats, some people say they’re also keeping an eye out for red flags. Yes, those non-negotiables in a relationship. So we headed out into the streets to hear it straight from Belizeans themselves, what red flags are they watching for? Here’s what they told us.

 

Mark Jones, Belize City Resident

“Bway, hmp, a lady weh lie. If she watch you dead in your face and lie to you, that is a big red flag. But if she stumble and thing you might have something.  You might have a lee way. But those that could lie and watch you dead in your face, don’t trust them.”

 

 

 

 

Michelle Patt, Belize City Resident

“That is much like fighting and somebody hitting somebody, that is something we don’t like. Valentine is about love, care and always being with your partner.”

 

 

 

Winner Madubuko, Belize City Resident

“I think just a lack of communication. As adults, as someone in a relationship with someone, you need to be able to talk with each other, communicate with each other, share your ideas, share your mind and not be judged about it. So bad communication is a red flag.”

 

 

 

 

Djimon Roberts, Belize City Resident

“Consistency mean to me what you start you finish to the end. If you start sweet you have to continue being sweet. Nuh because wah lee argument pop een that mean yo don’t want to talk, you distance, you ghost, deh thing nuh work.”

 

 

 

Alex Rivas, Belize City Resident

“And then the next thing is jealousy. See I am a small vendor and I hail everybody, male female, good morning beautiful, what’s up my bro and they think that we are already doing things. And I am like no bro, its not that, it is not that.”

 

 

 

 

When those red flags turn into misunderstandings or full‑blown arguments, trying to patch things up before Valentine’s Day can feel like a real uphill climb. But the people we spoke with said that, sometimes, a little sweetness, a box of chocolates, a bouquet of roses, and a genuine apology, can go a long way toward smoothing things over.

 

 

 

Winner Madubuko

“Gift is always number one, but it calls down to doing something heart felt. You have to do something for them that shows you are really sorry for what you did and that shows your true love intent.”

 

Michelle Patt

“Actually that is to be with him again you have to give him a gift or a natural flowers or buy them something.”

 

 

 

 

Mark Jones

“For the gentlemen you come right here. We have sprays, body sprays for your lady if you want to make it up to them. We have Victoria Secret. So, you know you can come get that special thing for later. For you if you want sweet your lady and try make it up, you can come smell nice and start the thing right for tomorrow. But, to be honest, just go to your lady and apologize and let her know that, I am sorry.”

 

And so, while roses may die, and red flags can ward off any potential suitors, a sincere apology can go a long way in mending a broken relationship. This Valentine Day remember that love is complex and not easily defined. Reporting for News Five, I am Paul Lopez.