Roses, chocolates, cards, and candle-lit dinners. The familiar colours of red and pink hit the shelves again this year in time for Valentine’s Day. A holiday that is misery for single people, a cash grab for corporations, and an expensive night out for those in relationships. Alongside many other holidays celebrated across the calendar year, it is safe to say that Valentine’s Day has strayed from its divine origins. What was once an Ancient Roman festival celebrating health and fertility, has now transformed itself into spending as much money as possible, a night out in Central, and the same formatted Instagram story posted by forty-five different people - proclaiming their undying devotion to the ‘love of their life’.
The question must be asked. What is Valentine’s Day other than being guilt tripped into excessive shopping and having heteronormativity shoved down your throat? We all know love comes in many different ways, so why doesn’t our society reflect this when it comes to the Cupid centric holiday? Yes, we are a lot more progressive than we used to be. But the range and quality of anything other than couples who are straight and white and cisgendered is dire, and often only there to tick a box. It’s exhausting how we only see one type of couple in our movies, adverts, and seasonal promotions - when our love is so much more unique and diverse.
It is absolutely more hassle than it’s worth
Surely for some couples, after decades of celebrating their romance day in and day out for years, it just gets repetitive. After all, how many bouquets of flowers and boxes of chocolate does one person need on the same day every year? Most of the couples I know find joy in the little things. The acts of service, the ‘this reminded me of you’, and the always being there for one another regardless of the time of year. I’d argue this is absolutely more valuable than a teddy bear or a candle that puts money in some pathetic capitalist’s pocket.
Am I saying that we should up and abandon Valentine’s Day? No. It’s a tradition that has always existed and probably will forever. However, I do think it is absolutely more hassle than it’s worth, especially in comparison to other holidays. Celebrate your love loudly every day, not just when it counts. At least we get bank holidays for Easter and Christmas.