Whether or not to celebrate Valentine’s Day is a personal choice, and there is no right or wrong answer. Valentine’s Day can be both a love story and a commercialized money-sucking scheme, depending on how it’s approached and celebrated.
Some people see it as an opportunity to express their love and appreciation for their partners. While others view it as a commercialized holiday that puts unnecessary pressure on couples to spend money.
To one side, Valentine’s Day is a celebration of love and affection, a time to express and strengthen the bonds between loved ones, show appreciation and gratitude for the people in our lives, and make special memories together.
For others, the commercialization of Valentine’s Day can put unnecessary pressure on people to spend money on expensive gifts, dinners, and experiences, often reinforcing unrealistic expectations of what love and romance should look like, leading to feelings of inadequacy, disappointment, and even resentment towards the holiday.
Some people believe that Valentine’s Day has become overly sexualized in popular culture, with a focus on giving gifts like lingerie or sex toys. This can create unrealistic expectations for couples, pressuring them to engage in sexual activities.
However, sexual activity is not a requirement for celebrating the holiday, and individuals should decide their sexual behaviour based on their own values, preferences, and safety considerations. Additionally, it’s important to remember that consensual sexual activity should always prioritize open communication, mutual respect, and enthusiastic consent from all parties involved.
Critics of the holiday argue that it has become more about consumerism and materialism, with retailers promoting the sale of expensive gifts like jewellery, flowers, and chocolates. Some people believe that the true meaning of the holiday has been lost in the pursuit of profit.
Also, the holiday can be difficult for the single or not in a romantic relationship. One can say the focus on couples is quite unfair and may make unpaired people feel pressured to conform to societal expectations on Valentine’s Day, even if it doesn’t align with their personal values or beliefs, causing stress or anxiety, which can be detrimental to mental health.
If you choose to celebrate Valentine’s Day, there are many ways to do so without spending money. For example, you could cook a romantic dinner at home, go for a walk in the park, write a heartfelt love letter, or plan a fun activity that you can do together.
It’s important to remember that the true meaning of the holiday is to express love and appreciation for the people in our lives. And this can be done in many ways that don’t involve spending money or engaging in sexual activities.
Happy Valentine’s Day!