“I HATE VALENTINE’S DAY” is probably a phrase you hear at least once every February. Most of the time, it’s expected that those without Valentine’s Day dates are the ones complaining, but that’s not always the case.
Every year Valentine’s Day comes around and the shops are filled with different types of flowers and candies. And, even though half of the population loves filling their carts with these products for their loved ones, the other half questions why we waste our money on this “Hallmark Holiday.” Me, I’m part of the second half, even though I’ve been in a relationship for over three and a half years.
Why do I hate Valentine’s Day? I really couldn’t tell you. When I was in middle and high school, I used to long for someone to ask me to be their valentine. I remember being the ripe age of 13 years old and watching my friends get a little heart-chocolate box from their boyfriend of one week wondering why that couldn’t be me. I would spend the day watching different romantic comedies and dream of the day when someone would celebrate me on Valentine’s Day, but then I guess I grew up.
Once I actually got into a relationship, I found myself getting less and less excited about Valentine’s Day. My significant other is actually a big Valentine’s Day fan too, and loves the V-Day aisle in Target more than I do (which is a little scary)! I even have a Build-A-Bear teddy bear with a “Happy Valentine’s Day” shirt on it, which sleeps in bed with me every night. So, my hatred of Valentine’s Day isn’t because of my partner’s lack of interest/love, but because of my own.
I’ve been lucky enough in my relationship to receive the same amount of love on Valentine’s Day as I do all year. I know for some this isn’t the case, but it absolutely should be. There are some people out there who treat Valentine’s Day as a way to shower their partner with gifts and attention to excuse all the mistakes they had made in the past year and then continue to their old ways the next day. But, I’ve always believed that Valentine’s Day should be the day when you celebrate the love you have for each other all the time, not just one day.
If Valentine’s Day was more focused on the love aspect rather than gifts, I would absolutely love it. But, that’s not really the case. I don’t believe that getting your significant other a box of chocolates really represents the love you have for them or how much you appreciate your relationship. Gift giving is sweet and you should want to get your S.O. (significant other) something cute for Valentine’s Day, but it shouldn’t be the top priority.
One thing I absolutely loathe about Valentine’s Day is that it’s an excuse for people to show off different gifts they received. I’m not trying to sound like the green-eyed monster, but every year there’s always at least one influencer that’s showing off their new Valentine’s Day luxury item, meanwhile, most of us get by with some candy. Then, you have that on-and-off-again couple showing off eachother’s gifts, even though they’ll probably be broken up again the next day. I’m really not trying to be hateful in any way, but the gift-giving part of Valentine’s Day has become way out of control and I truly believe that it ruins the “Valentine’s Day spirit.”
Don’t get me wrong, I love my relationship and love love, but I’ve just come to the conclusion that Valentine’s Day isn’t my thing. What are your opinions on Valentine’s Day? Let us know on Instagram, @hcmontclair!