Timeless love: Gestures enduring modern times

Timeless love: Gestures enduring modern times (Photo: iStock)

Timeless acts of love hold a special place in Sharon Odenge's heart. Sentimental at her core, she relishes quiet moments watching the sun set over the lake with her significant other. Besides, the two sit at the bar counter or take long drives, losing themselves in conversation. On ordinary days, they exchange love letters and leave notes in random spots for each other to find, or sometimes stay home to cook together.

Romantic love has been expressed in various forms across centuries. There are the Western classic acts of chivalry captured by romanticists, such as scroll love letters, and the traditional African gestures of affection that were part of cultural norms, like gifting beaded ornaments.