“My boyfriend gave me 100 red roses”. “We went on this expensive 5-star fine dining date”. “He proposed to me on V-day”. These are probably the phrases you’ll be hearing today and in the coming days.
We are all familiar with, and for the most part, fond of, 14th February. Valentine’s Day is a time to express our love for those close to us, whether they be family, friends, or romantic interest. Despite being a day dedicated especially to lovers, we think there’s too much hype about the holiday, and it doesn’t seem authentic – so we smell a SCAM! It’s simple to get swept up in the excitement when surrounded by hearts, chocolates, and flowers. But take a closer look and you might see that Valentine’s Day is nothing more than a lovely con.
We have 8 reasons why we believe this “love” holiday is a massive hoax, and not at all sweet!
Unfair Pressure
Dinner plans, gifts, bouquets and something out of this world? All this is just gonna give you unnecessary pressure. Couples often experience a lot of strain on this day, so do yourself a favour by skipping the occasion. You won’t have to exchange gifts or schedule a dinner and run the danger of making a mistake that way. After all, your commitment, level of intimacy, and general contentment in your relationship have little to do with how many long-stemmed roses your lover buys you on Valentine’s Day.
It Weakens Bonds
The emphasis on gift-giving can take away from the genuine meaning of the holiday for some committed couples who treasure their love and connection. It’s okay if it seems stupid to purchase a card or a box of chocolates only based on the date on the calendar. However, putting aside material concerns might free up time for what matters most in your relationship.
What’s even dangerous is when V-day becomes a day of competition. Everyone aspires to appear to have a flawless love life to people around them. And during times like these, when couples notice that their gifts to one another fall short of what other people surprised their partner with this year, feelings get hurt. What’s supposed to be an act of affection can turn into games of jealously.
Empowers Gender Stereotypes
Valentine’s Day gives men the chance to show their partners just how much they care. As for the women, Valentine’s Day is a day to unwind as their man breaks his back to create the perfect date plan for the day. Valentine’s Day eventually reinforces the idea that males are in charge in relationships since it shows a guy giving a woman everything she could ever want and without him, she would be nothing. We object to this idea! When it comes to a relationship, both genders should be on an equal footing; neither should do more than the other.
People Who Are Single Feel Left Out
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What’s more awful than that? It’s bad enough that passing couples holding hands or making out on the streets serve as a continual reminder of your isolation. Now, you have to put up with an entire freaking day of corny movies, sentimental love music, and happy girls holding chocolate hearts and enormous teddy bears. Just gross. Being single has definite advantages, but during this time of year, it seems like everyone has forgotten this and is suddenly anti-single for whatever reason.
Love Becomes Commodified
Valentine’s Day literally feeds the demon of capitalism. Okay, that was a harsh touch, but expressing your affection for someone doesn’t have to be done in a great, expensive and materialistic way. Instead of showing love genuinely, many think that spending more means showing more love when actually, it doesn’t! You’re just wasting so much money in one day and for what? To prove your undying, eternal love. That’s bullshit! Valentine’s Day today has greatly over commercialized what we should consider typical levels of love.
Everything Is Overpriced
From flowers to chocolates and cards, everything suddenly becomes pricey. Whether you celebrate V-day or not, you end up paying more despite not celebrating. Cafes and coffee shops would be like “enjoy 50% off with a dinner date” and flower shops only sell expensive bouquets. Like, why? Can’t we all have special discounts on this date or can’t we get flowers for good prices? Definitely a day to burn holes in our pockets.
Ooey Gooey Social Media Posts
It’s the only day where everyone proudly shows off their girlfriends or boyfriends, but keeps them hidden the rest of the time. We’re not against you for showing your partner appreciation (way to go and A+ for that), but posting a picture on Instagram, Twitter, or Snapchat with 100 heart emojis is way too much. This date becomes the only day couples show off their love for everyone to see, and go silent when the season is over. Better not post anything in the first place, right? Also, if you’re gonna post on socials anyway, just keep it simple. Don’t have to get all handsy or smoochy – that’ll probably make others gag!
You Don’t Need ONE Day To Show Love
If you’re expressing love every year on 14th February only, you’re definitely doing it wrong. No one said 14th February is the only day to celebrate and express love. You can commemorate other special days, like when you first met, your first kiss, or the moment you both publicly declared your love – if you want to mark a significant occasion. It’s much more crucial to celebrate special days in your relationship, as opposed to a generic holiday celebrated worldwide in the name of love.
As much as we agree to V-day being a pain in the ass, though, we’re not saying you should be a Grinch on this day. Just as long as you know how to play your cards and think rationally on what you do today. Just remember: why show all the love on just one day when you have 365 days to show ’em in various ways?
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