Valentine’s Day is my least favorite holiday — it is an excuse for corporations to capitalize on people’s emotions, and consumerism is at the core of the holiday. Each year, companies encourage consumers to buy flowers, candy, jewelry, and go on extravagant dates in extraordinary quantities, and make a killing off of it.
Why have a day when you are expecting to receive gifts and love notes from your significant other or love interest? Why build your expectations for a grand gesture if it doesn’t come? In a way, Valentine’s Day is a setup for failure and disappointment.
If you are single, you may feel even more isolated by Valentine’s festivities. Your regular plans with friends are disrupted so they can spend time with their significant others. People around you are giving each other gifts. Even social media becomes contaminated by continuous posts of couples. While you may secretly hope that your crush reveals their passion for you, they likely don’t.
I used to believe that my dislike of Valentine’s Day was because I was not in a relationship, but I have since realized that is not the case. In fact, I would argue that being in a relationship has reinforced my belief that Valentine’s Day is overrated. I truly believe that whatever gift you receive or date you have planned is much more meaningful when you are least expecting it.
It is no argument that the core principle of Valentine’s Day is love, but gestures of love and kindness should not be isolated to February 14. Appreciate the moments spent with your loved ones throughout the year, and remember to share your affection with them when they least expect it.
Ainsley Francis is from Charlotte, N.C.
Her major is English.
