Every year, come mid-February, people all over the world are pressured into celebrating the dreadful holiday that is Valentine’s Day. The premise is simple: shower your romantic partner (if you’re fortunate enough to have one) with grand, often unduly performative displays of affection. Consumer reports show that 59% of people participate in Valentine’s Day festivities, a statistic that raises a fundamental question—what truly makes this holiday special when more than half the population celebrates it in the exact same way?
The predictability of Valentine’s Day is what ultimately makes it feel hollow. Chocolates, stuffed animals clutching tiny hearts, overpriced flowers, extravagant dinner reservations—it all follows the same tired formula.
The pressure to create a “perfect” night outweighs the sincerity of the gesture. Unlike a spontaneous date night or a heartfelt surprise, Valentine’s Day is a scripted event dictated by consumer trends and social expectations. The result? A holiday that often feels more obligatory than meaningful.
The mounting pressure is another reason Valentine’s Day feels exhausting rather than romantic. Reservations for high-end restaurants must be secured weeks in advance, gifts must be thoughtful but not too cliché, and heaven forbid you forget to ask someone to be your Valentine far enough in advance. The stress surrounding the day is disproportionate to its actual importance.
The stress isn’t going anywhere. On top of anniversaries, birthdays, and casual date nights, Valentine’s Day is marketed as an essential celebration—sometimes even more significant than the others. Couples now plan elaborate trips or weekend getaways, adding hefty expenses to the mix. What started as a simple holiday has become a financial and emotional burden, with many feeling the need to “outdo” their previous year’s celebration.
Saying no to Valentine’s Day should be an option, yet the societal pressure remains strong. Big corporations push advertisements insisting that the right gift will make or break a relationship, while partners, consciously or not, buy into the idea that this day is a litmus test for love. The idea that next year must be even more extravagant creates an exhausting cycle that prioritizes consumerism over genuine connection.
For many, Valentine’s Day is an afterthought until February rolls around, at which point the expectations come crashing down. The gifts are uninspired, the gestures forced, and the joy often short-lived. Love should be celebrated, but it shouldn’t be dictated by the calendar or measured by the amount spent. If Valentine’s Day were truly about romance, it would encourage appreciation on all days—reminding us that love is found in the little moments, not just in grand displays once a year.
