Valentine’s Day is arguably the most looked forward to holiday during February in the US, as well as parts of Europe, South America and Asia. A lovey-dovey day on the calendar, couples and desperate singles all alike are probably the 2 main groups of people that celebrate it. There are gifts of giving objects and items to a loved one as a sign of “I love you so much” or “will you be my Valentine”. This includes heart boxes containing chocolate, giving a bouquet of flowers, giving nice, thoughtful cards if the couple can’t be with each other that day and more. However, there are multiple flaws and irrelevancy in many aspects of this so-called. “beautiful holiday.” This is to my bias of course, but I am not trying to change your opinion if you love or celebrate Valentine’s. With that said, let’s get straight into why Valentine’s Day is useless…

First of all, It’s not any different to be kind and give gifts to a romantic partner on any other given day. An argument might be “but it’s a once in a year holiday.” While that may be true, anyone can give gifts today, tomorrow, on their partner’s birthday, or even Christmas. There does not need to be an entitlement or shame in not meeting the “Feb 14” deadline to give something to someone you love or someone you want to be with. It’s also more likely that a person seeking to go out with someone on Valentine’s could be accepted, but any other day that isn’t that day would more likely be a no. It isn’t about giving gifts on Feb 14 because it’s the “Love Day”; the true gift is to show your partner that you love them any day of the week, and that you can love them whenever, wherever and do not need to show them you love them a lot for Valentine’s Day if you already do.

Second, there’s a problem for single people. Going off of how singles would more likely be accepted on Feb 14 and no other day, it’s especially a problem if the person wanting a valentine finds someone that only says yes for one day. Imagine that the boy confesses his feelings or wants to be with a girl he likes; she says yes, but the next day she drops the “one day relationship” because it’s not Valentine’s anymore. This can severely hurt the one who asked the other out a lot. They’re even subject to trying less or never again on the 14th because they got rejected and E M O T I O N A L L Y  D A M A G E D. Basically, some people who have someone might ridicule people who don’t, and make them feel lonelier and more single than people who won’t date anyone unless their star signs match. It just makes single people feel left out that everyone else is having fun on that day while they’re left with no one to be with. To them, it’s just a reminder that they’re lonely or don’t have anyone.

Another issue with Valentine’s Day is the problem with fake feelings. If someone says yes, they might just be doing that to make people feel better for one day. They may be using them and putting their actual feelings aside just to make up fake feelings for their “Valentine.” No one can truly know how their Valentine feels about them until they make the emotionally scarring move of saying that it’s only for today.

Yet another stereotypical issue is the fact that guys are usually the ones obligated to give nice gifts to the girl, but the girl gives nothing in return. It would be better if more people both mutually agreed on gifts or plans for each other instead of it being one-sided and “I have to do everything.” No you don’t. Share the love together. It doesn’t matter whether you get them something or not; at the end of the day, the real gift is you.

Another reason is that society alters everything to their liking. Society today generally has higher standards and expectations than the past, and makes questionable or unnecessary trends for something that has a completely different purpose. Over time, society likes to change or add stuff sometimes. It was the 14th century when the love factor was first included, as Valentine’s Day first originated in Rome as a violent tradition; details which will not be mentioned. Later on, a saint called Saint Valentine was remembered shortly after his passing.Basically, what was supposed to be how the holiday is celebrated is no longer considered or known. Ads for Valentine’s Day also don’t really consider other groups or ethnic groups, such as people in the LGBTQ+ community, African Americans etc.

The cost is also an issue. Unless you’re richer than every rich person or company combined, you’re not gonna get your partner their dream car, 4 boxes of chocolate, 3 bouquets of flowers, 2 Valentine’s cards and matching heart clothing. The price range can depend on how much you get or what you get, but you could use $50 for anything else. It isn’t necessary to get someone a gift; and if you can’t, don’t insist on giving one anyway and be open and honest that you can’t.

In summary, there are many flaws with the holiday that became all about love. But although not everyone agrees with what I’ve said, it doesn’t matter that much in the end. You don’t need to convert to being against it at all. This is just my honest opinion and outlook on the holiday. Nothing is wrong with celebrating Valentine’s Day in the end, no matter who you are. Whether you celebrate or don’t celebrate, I hope you have a great Valentine’s Day/Feb 14th.