top of page

Unveiling the overrated hype of Valentine’s Day

Mel Rising Dawn Cordeiro

Editor-in-Chief


As the calendar flips to February, the commercial hype surrounding Valentine's Day begins to crescendo. Heart-shaped chocolates, crimson roses and sentimental cards flood the shelves, but there's an increasing chorus of voices questioning the celebration's true significance. Is Valentine's Day overrated, or is it a meaningful expression of love?


One of the primary criticisms of Valentine's Day is its transformation into a commercial extravaganza. Retailers capitalize on the occasion, bombarding consumers with advertisements that create an expectation of extravagant gifts and gestures. From pricey bouquets to exclusive dinners, the pressure to spend can overshadow the authenticity of the sentiment.

Should couples feel compelled to measure their love by the price tag of a gift? Anyone who has been in a healthy relationship knows that the essence of a relationship goes beyond materialistic expressions.


Valentine's Day often places unrealistic expectations on individuals to orchestrate a perfect day for their partners. The pressure to plan a flawless evening or select the ideal gift can lead to stress and anxiety, detracting from the celebration of genuine connection.


It's essential in any relationship to communicate and set realistic expectations. A main emphasis should be on shared experiences and the joy of being together, not on meeting societal standards.

Valentine’s Day is marketed as a celebration of love, there's a growing awareness of its unintentional exclusion of single individuals or those not in traditional romantic relationships. The emphasis on romantic love can inadvertently make people feel left out or pressured to conform to societal norms.


Perhaps society should broaden its perspective on love. Celebrating friendships, self-love and familial bonds can be just as meaningful as romantic relationships.


Perhaps the most significant critique of Valentine's Day is the notion that love should be celebrated every day, rather than confined to a single date on the calendar. Advocates for year-round expressions of affection argue that sustained, small gestures hold more significance than a grand, annual display.


Love is a continuous journey, not a destination reached only on February 14th. Genuine, consistent efforts to express love can make a more profound impact on relationships.


Amid the glittering displays and heart-shaped confetti, it seems there is a growing sentiment that love, in all its forms, deserves recognition beyond the confines of a single day. As discussions surrounding the overrated nature of Valentine's Day gain traction, individuals are encouraged to prioritize meaningful connections and authentic expressions of love throughout the entire year.

10 views

Recent Posts

See All

Student Organization Spotlight: LASO

Kat Bourgault Anchor Staff Writer The Latin American Student Organization, commonly known as “LASO,” is one of RIC’s longest-standing...

Komentáře


bottom of page