February 14 is Valentine’s Day, a national holiday that is supposed to celebrate love. Lately, however, it seems to have become more of day to see who can spend the most. Valentine’s Day has turned into a day to show off what your romantic partner has given you, instead of being a day for love. People, women especially, have had pounded into their head the idea that Valentine’s Day is only about them, rather than two people. Valentine’s Day should be a day to appreciate your partner and your relationship, not just the loot that you receive.

Most see Valentine’s Day as a competition. Who can buy the most expensive and extravagant presents? It has become more of a way to impress other people than express love, appreciation, or affection for your partner. Some blame this spending frenzy on retailers and the marketing they do towards Valentine’s Day. They claim that this marketing obligates them to spend more money. But honestly, who is controlling your spending? You or the retailer? Just because holidays are marketed to suggest they are meaningless without racking up big bills doesn’t mean that you have to go out and spend more than you want to. Why spend $60 on a dozen roses when you can spend one-third of that on carnations that last four times as long? Especially if you expect this along with a pound of chocolate and a set of diamond earrings, and especially if you are not planning on reciprocating that level of gift-giving.

Why expect someone to spend that much money on you? The song lyrics, “love don’t cost a thing,” are ironic, especially when you hear them on Valentine’s Day. Love may not cost a thing, but apparently showing your love costs a lot. But it does not have to—and it should not have to. Almost everyone is having a tough time economically right now, and even if they weren’t, there is nothing wrong with looking for ways to make Valentine’s Day cost less and mean more. Cook a meal together and cuddle up and watch movies all night. Give a single rose and a modest bracelet. Make hand-made Valentine’s Day cards. Pick out something nice for your apartment together. The options are limitless.

Coming up with fun and unique ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day will be more meaningful than going all out with expensive gifts and plans that will put you in debt for the next two months. Remember that February 14 is a day to celebrate love as a couple, not as an individual. Try showing the other person how much you care in a less expensive, more meaningful way this Sunday.

Stephanie Carley
Business Administration &
Communication Technologies