The world's most famous love scene isn't exactly, you know. When Romeo calls to Juliet on her balcony, he is in love with love. Hours earlier, he was moping around Verona pining for Rosaline, who wasn't taking his calls anymore. He went to Juliet's house, hoping to see Rosaline at a party. Instead, as we know, he fell for Juliet.

Juliet is a practical sort. Just before the party, her father talked to her about marriage, specifically marriage to County Paris, one of Verona's established, stable noblemen. 

"It is an honor that I dream not of," says Juliet drily to her father when he proposes that she make a go of it with Paris. Still, her father encourages her to scope out Paris at the party and "look to like" him. Lord Capulet has made his meaning clear: Juliet will be Mrs. County Paris before Act II, if he has his way. 

So given the situation, I imagine that Romeo looks like a good prospect to Juliet. He's young, lively, romantic.  Their dialogue at the party takes the form of a sonnet, a love poem. 

When Romeo appears in the Capulet's yard after the party and calls up to Juliet, she's pleased again. And she takes action.

"If that thy bent of love be honourable," she says to Romeo, "Thy purpose marriage, send me word to-morrow."

Wow, that was fast. Hardly a hundred lines of poetry and prose between them, and here she is proposing marriage. She loves Romeo and/or/because he's not County Paris -- perfect!

Juliet is pragmatic and romantic, which makes her an icon of Valentine's Day, at least here at Patch. The next week will bring daily features that "Countdown to Valentine's Day," offering practical suggestions for decorating cakes, making reservations, even choosing a gift and writing a love note. 

If music be the food of love, play on. If you need a little help getting in tune the holiday this year, read on all week. Happy Valentine's Day!