No matter whether you’re single or in a relationship, February 14th is fast approaching. Whether you like it or not, there is just no escaping it. Everywhere I look at the moment, I’m confronted with teddies, flowers and red hearts dotted all over the shop windows. Which is why it’s almost impossible to ignore the looming day of love.
But so what?
Well for one, the massive stream of cards and gifts that hit the shelves prior to the actual day are a reminder of the hype. And with hype, comes the pressure. Before you’ve even thought about your plans for the day itself, the commercialisation of it all is out in full force. Suggesting to each of us that this is another day to celebrate something meaningful (love) with the exchange of something material (gifts). I know that I sound really cynical right now, and I don’t mean to be.
In truth, I think Valentine’s Day is a great occasion to spend quality time with the people you care about, whether that be your partner, your friends or your family. I just think that we’d all probably enjoy the day more if could take the pressure away from it. Strip away the facade of eating in the most expensive restaurant, and leave room for some genuine human connection.
But does money = love?
I’m not sure where the idea that the amount of money we spend on the day equates to how much we love the person/people we’re celebrating with came from. Nevertheless, this seems to be the sad reality of the world we live in. But if we took a step back and really thought about why we spend so much on fancy restaurants or extravagant gifts, we might realise that it’s just another part of the hype. Maybe there are better, more personal ways to show your appreciation.
If you can free yourself from the idea that you have to find the PERFECT gift and have the most PERFECT plan for the day, then the pressure will just lift and you might even enjoy yourself more. Just an idea.
However you plan on celebrating the Patron Saint of Love, remember that it’s just a day, like any other. You can spend it however you want to.
Have a good one xox
