Every year, like clockwork, Feb. 14 rolls around, and the world explodes into a giant pink, heart-shaped spectacle. Every year, chocolates, overpriced flowers and sappy cards flood store to store, while phones blow up with endless romantic gestures, social media filled with couple posts and romantic things to make for your partner. And every year, I think the same thing: What’s the big deal?

When I was younger I didn’t care about this holiday. Not because I’m bitter or have some tragic love story, in fact, I believe love is one of the best experiences especially while you’re young. But why do we need one specific day to show and prove it?

Valentine’s Day is a commercialized event. The expectation of investing in gifts, extravagant meals, and idealized outings transforms the essence of love into a mere financial exchange. Choosing not to engage in these traditions may lead to the perception of being an inadequate partner, while participation perpetuates a cycle of consumerism. In either scenario, the experience appears contrived. Shouldn’t the essence of love be rooted in sincere, modest moments rather than costly and ostentatious displays? 

Then there’s the exclusivity of it all. Valentine’s Day seems to divide people into two camps: the happily in love and the “miserable” singles. It feels like a holiday designed to make single people feel left out and lonely even though being single is perfectly normal and, for many, a choice. Love isn’t solely about romantic relationships, it can be in friendships, family and even the joy of being alone. But Valentine’s Day rarely acknowledges that.

And then there are the expectations. The pressure to have a “perfect” Valentine’s Day can wear you out. Restaurants are packed, gifts have to be “just right,” and if things don’t go as planned, disappointment follows. Love shouldn’t come along with that stress.

I’m not saying that people shouldn’t celebrate if they enjoy it. If Valentine’s Day makes you happy, go for it. But for me? I’d rather skip the overcrowded restaurants and overpriced gifts and show love my way on my own time, because I feel that real true love doesn’t revolve around one single day on the calendar, but rather in the everyday, quiet moments that don’t need a hashtag.