There's something in the air today. If you're an employee of the Flemish public transport operator it's discontent, because nothing says "I love you" like getting on the picket line to demand better pay. Not oblivious to the date, the strikers have even dubbed their action "Valentindexation", a truly awful wordplay that I would argue does little to help their cause.
For those whose day didn't start with the morning commute thrown awry by cancelled connections, you might have enjoyed the uplifting brightness. Though temperatures are hardly heartwarming, the conditions do kindle a light optimism. And whatever your relationship status, today is best approached in a spirit of hopefulness.
But when it comes to affairs of the heart, how does Brussels perform? Whilst other cities have a universal reputation for romance, this country's capital is better known for politics and chips. Nonetheless, as one of the crossroads of Europe, the constant flow of bodies passing through the city is certainly conducive to meeting people.
In fact, one study – The Best Cities in Europe for Single People – ranked Brussels 12th in its analysis of 50 cities. Maybe it's nothing to write home about but it's also not a dead zone when it comes to match-making.
If Brussels does pose a problem, it might be with people leaving too soon. We live in a transitory city where work placements are often framed within a matter of months. Any wonder then that half of households in the Brussels-Capital Region are single-person occupancy (around twice the national average)?
Snagging a partner isn't the problem, it's making them stay. Feeling lonely? Tell me about it.
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