Dreaded or anticipated, Valentine’s Day, 2017, is closer than one can say, “Vain Violet’s velvet valentine vanished.” As lovebirds crawl each chocolate isle, prowling around for the perfect heart-shaped box for their significant other, they are oblivious to the $1.7 billion that the candy industry will make (as reported by eater.com) from participants like them. In a money-driven world, the origins and simplicity of romance get lost in translation.

        Literature reveals the ever-changing nature of romance through its own depiction of the word. “The Romantic Era in literature,” as explained by English teacher Wendy Kassler, “promoted a love of nature and the belief that poets were leaders of men who could elevate mankind and connect them with the sublime.” Little can be spoken of a higher pursuit of romance in this modern day and age. Romance novels are being consumed with strong “connections that two people experience that sometimes transcend social or traditional boundaries,” said Kassler. Social expectations have altered the way romance has been written about, but it does not have to change the definition of romance in regards to how one spends the annual date.

        “Hearts, rose petals, and spending time” are the three key elements of the day, as senior Kaileigh Davila described it. Latin culture has a tradition to serenade one’s lover through singing and music while they are asleep, as well as play amigo secreto in schools, according to a Latino Valentine’s Day article. In South Africa, The Huffington Post says that women pin the names of their crush or love interest on their sleeve. Though Valentine’s Day involves Cupid and his bow, giant teddy bears, and anything an explicit shade of pink or red, it does not force anyone to celebrate romance through any definition but their own.

        Though the date encroaches, there is no need to join the merchandise bustle and rush. Capturing the romanticism of the day is exclusive to one’s personal preference – the world may dictate expectations, but it does not have to taint one’s reality and beliefs. Valentine’s Day does not have to include a significant other, but can revolve around the time spent with loved ones or the extravagance of loving oneself.