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By Kelly Barros ('23)
Was February 14th always a day on which lovers went on dates and bought each other flowers and chocolate? When did this tradition begin? It’s unknown why Valentine’s Day came to be, but there are two main theories. According to Britannica.com, Valentine’s day might’ve been named after a priest who was martyred about 270 CE since legend says the priest signed a letter “from your Valentine'' to his jailer’s daughter. Another legend states that St. Valentine disobeyed the emperor and secretly married couples to spare their husbands from war. In the end, it is not 100% certain how Valentine’s Day originated but in the US the holiday rose in popularity in the 1840's.
Now onto my LEAST favorite parts of Valentine’s Day:
Now onto my LEAST favorite parts of Valentine’s Day:
Overpriced Roses/Candy
Life is already expensive as is, but now the prices of candy is on the rise! C’mon! During the week of Valentine’s Day, the prices of candy are insane. What’s even worse is that roses have gotten so much more expensive. I thought putting gas into the car was expensive, but it turns out celebrating Valentine’s Day can break the wallet way more!
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Photo courtesy of Linly Designs
2. Unreasonable Expectations
Some people expect bouquets of roses, boxes of chocolates, fancy dinners, and even diamond jewelry. These things are expensive. Not everyone can afford to buy so many things for their partner and can feel forced into buying them since others surrounding them go all out.
3. Pressure to Propose
Imagine being in a four-year-long relationship, it’s already bad enough you haven’t proposed to your partner, but now it’s Valentine’s Day and you still have not considered buying a ring to propose. This can create rushed proposals which can often lead to regret and relationship problems.
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Photo courtesy of Knight Errant
4. Too much PDA
I doubt anyone wants to see people in the school hallways or out in public, smooching and being all over each other. Not only is it disgusting, but it is unnecessary in a place where everyone can see it. So if you have a significant other, maybe consider waiting until you are alone and not in a school with 2,500+ people to make out.
But, not everything is bad...
But, not everything is bad...
Celebrate Your Love
Valentine’s Day is a day in which you can show your love for someone and not be called cheesy or a simp. You can go above and beyond, and it won’t be seen negatively, even though it shouldn’t in the first place.
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Photo courtesy of Blue Sky Papers
2. Creativity
Some people have low budgets when it comes to spending money which would require a bit of arts and crafts to make a gift. Whether you make your partner a card or a free coupon book, they’ll love and appreciate it.
3. Show Consideration
Maybe you’ve told your partner briefly about your favorite food or candy? Imagine if your partner made a reservation at a place they knew you wanted to go to, and bought you something you said you liked a while ago. That person is a keeper! Being attentive to the details and considerate is an important quality many people lack.
Photo courtesy of A-HOME Housing
My thoughts on Valentine’s Day are fairly positive. I love the meaning behind it since it is about loving and appreciating the people you love, but I also think there shouldn’t be just one day to show your affection towards someone. Every year I buy my mom something for Valentine’s Day, but I also do it a few times throughout the year. Although I do go a bit overboard during Valentine’s Day since it’s tradition. It’s just nice to consistently show your appreciation and love to someone. Apart from that, Valentine’s Day is honestly a nice celebration, despite how expensive it can be!
Cover photo courtesy of The Precedent
Banner courtesy of Astanza Laser
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