In a society that often celebrates love and affection, there’s a growing dissent against the commercialized romanticism of Valentine’s Day. The phrase “I hate Valentine’s Day,” may sound harsh, but for many it encapsulates a sentiment beyond mere distaste for a specific date on the calendar. Country music star Carrie Underwood, known for her bold opinions, echoes this sentiment by stating, “I’m anti-Valentine’s Day. I don’t believe – and this goes for anybody – your man shouldn’t love you for one day out of 365. He should love you 365 days out of the year. I want Valentine’s Day every day,”
Underwood’s perspective reflects a growing chorus of voices questioning the sincerity of love expressed on a single day. The argument against Valentine’s Day is not just about rejecting a celebration but questioning the authenticity of affection limited to a specific date. The core message is clear; love should be a constant presence in a relationship, not an annual obligation.
Limiting expressions of love to Valentine’s Day can be detrimental. It can create a false sense of security, especially in toxic relationships. Partners who are otherwise unhealthy throughout the year may use the day as a façade to manipulate emotions and persuade their significant others to stay. This manipulation can be subtle but powerful, convincing individuals that the affection shown on Valentine’s Day is representative of the overall relationship.
The disparity between the heightened expectations set by the media and the reality of everyday relationships can exacerbate feelings of abandonment, depression, and loneliness. Media campaigns that promote an idealized version of love on Valentine’s Day contribute to this sense of inadequacy, leaving many questioning the authenticity of their relationships. The AARP Foundation survey revealed that non-married adults who don’t have a significant other are more likely to feel lonely when thinking about Valentine’s Day (26 percent) than those who are dating (19 percent) or those in a romantic relationship (6 percent).
In a world where social media amplifies the celebration of Valentine’s Day, individuals may find themselves comparing their relationships to curated online narratives. This comparison often leads to feelings of inadequacy and loneliness as the gap between reality and the idealized images on social platforms widens.
The call to reject the commercialized version of love on Valentine’s Day is not an outright dismissal of affection or celebration. Instead, it is a plea for authenticity and a reminder that love should be a daily practice, not confined to a single day. As Carrie Underwood asserts, the goal is to have “Valentine’s Day every day,” where a calendar does not dictate expressions of love and affection but is genuine, consistent, and meaningful throughout the year.