Until a few months ago, I was that girl who was notoriously single. I walked around reminding myself that I didn’t need a man, and that I was happier alone. Not to mention, I may have rolled my eyes whenever I saw a couple holding hands or kissing in public. So, as you could probably guess, I hated Valentine’s Day. I hated that there was a holiday designated to separating the couples from the singles, and I hated that it was a constant reminder of how alone and loveless I was.
Naturally, I was more shocked than anyone when my relationship status dramatically changed for the first time in my entire life. It has been quite the rollercoaster, and at times it feels like I’m living inside a great romance novel. I’m glad I tore down the denial and negativity I have had for so long. But there’s one belief about relationships that has remained constant through this change: I still hate Valentine’s Day. I have different reasoning as to why it’s my least favourite holiday, but regardless, my opinion remains unchanged.
Firstly, I never truly understood the emphasis people place on gift-giving (yes, it is my lowest Love Language with a whopping 0%). I do not want my S/O to buy me anything; I would rather him express his gratitude and love by spending time with me or telling me how much I mean to him. The money someone spends on you does not equate to the amount of love they have for you. I’ve always found Valentine’s Day to be yet another excuse to overload your S/O with gifts they do not need.
And on that note, are we even certain what the origin of Valentine’s Day is? Are we sure it’s not just a holiday made up by companies in order to sell more cards, chocolates and gifts? Because the more I think about it, the more sensical this theory seems. Anyway, I digress.
Secondly, and I mean this as nicely as possible, I do not need a special day to express my love for someone. Sure, it might be a nice reminder for some, but it may actually do more harm than help. Valentine’s Day seems to be more of a “hey, you’re alone” reminder for the single folks than anything else. Don’t get me wrong, I’ll never neglect to show my appreciation for my loved ones; I just don’t need Valentine’s Day to guide me to do so.
To conclude, I’d like to remind you of a tragic moment in The Office caused by harmful Valentine’s Day pressures. Recall Kelly and Ryan’s on-again-off-again relationship, and how he clearly wanted less commitment than she did. But because he hooked up with her on February 13th, everyone assumed that this was a grand gesture of his love for her. Alas, the dangers of Valentine’s Day.
So, this year, I think it’s time we remove the Valentine’s Day pressures we all face, single or not, in order to spare ourselves the drama and unnecessary purchases.