Valentine’s Day is a special day filled with flowers, chocolates, gifts and romance. Though many argue that the holiday is overhyped and puts uncomfortable pressure on people to go all out for their loved ones. Many believe that the holiday isn’t what it’s made out to be, rather it’s a day filled with stress, disappointment and loneliness.
Valentine’s Day can be enjoyable when one has a special date or relationship to look forward to. However, even the process of planning and spending money for a date can easily stress one out or even take away from what the day really represents. Since there is a pressure to be perfect, one may have extremely high expectations of a romantic night out with a significant other only to have them fall short.
According to psychologytoday.com, “If happiness is the distance between expectation and reality, Valentine’s Day sets up many couples to be disappointed.”
The commercialization of Valentine’s Day has distorted the holiday into a show of elaborate gestures and presents rather than focusing on the real meaning of expressing love and gratitude.
Many companies race to play advertisements showcasing expensive jewelry, flowers and other items, advertising them as the “perfect gift.” This mindset of being perfect can cause a lot of disappointment when it comes to the holiday.
According to foxbusiness.com, “The National Retail Federation estimates that total spending for Valentine’s Day in 2023 was $25.9 billion, up from $23.9 billion in 2022.” Prices are steadily increasing with the consumerism of Valentine’s goods increasing as well.
With all the hype that surrounds the internationally celebrated holiday, it can be tough to ever change it. However, focusing on the people that matter to one most and spending genuine time and effort instead of concentrating on materialistic items can help bring a new meaning to Valentine’s Day.
