Valentine’s Day is coming up, and haven taken note of this generation and our mindsets; I’ve noticed something somewhat troubling. Generally, we have a habit of being a bit materialistic when it comes to holidays, and I know all you in-love couples are itching to show your partners monetary displays of affection. Now, before you go breaking the bank in an attempt to express your love and appreciation for your significant other, take a moment to think about your financial situation and obligations.
We all have made up an image of what love should look like when we’re on the receiving end. Naturally, when we get something that looks contrary to the image that we’ve made up we get upset and sometimes resentful. On the giving end, we have come to the false understanding that the best way to express our love for someone is through lavish gifts. If we are unable to give much, we begin to feel inadequate.
We have to move away from this sort of mindset…at least while we’re in college. It’s perfectly fine to want to spoil the ones you love, but that does not mean that you have to empty your bank account to do so. While we’re still on college student budgets, we can find other ways to spoil our significant others. You can write love letters. You can have a scavenger hunt that would include all of that person’s favorite things. You can make love coupons! There are countless other ways to show how you feel for someone without showering them with expensive gifts.
The most priceless thing you can ever give someone is your genuine care and concern, your love and affection, and your heart. If you’re with someone who can’t accept the college budget and can’t accept alternative displays of affection then that might not be someone you want to be with. Valentine’s Day is a day to show authentic love to one another, and the only way to do that, is to let the love come from the mind and the heart, not your pockets.