She Strengthens

The Pressure to Splurge on Valentine’s Day

As February approaches, it’s hard to ignore the vibrant red displays that have taken over store aisles. Valentine’s Day, the holiday that puts relationships under a microscope, is just around the corner. While it’s not my favorite celebration, I don’t dismiss it entirely. I believe in making every quality experience special, not just one day a year.

The Restaurant Conundrum

I’ve never been to a restaurant on Valentine’s Day, and I’d like to keep it that way. The thought of sharing small plates of overpriced food while elbowing my way through crowded tables is unappealing. As someone who has waited tables on Valentine’s Day, I can attest that it’s a chaotic and stressful experience for both patrons and staff.

The Gift Dilemma

The presents component of Valentine’s Day is equally frustrating. February is one of the most expensive months to buy jewelry, and flower prices skyrocket in the week leading up to the holiday. If you spend $100 on dinner, $50 on flowers, and $75 on a gift, that’s a significant expense for a holiday that was created by clever marketers.

Personally, I’m skipping the gift-giving tradition this year. The etiquette surrounding Valentine’s Day presents is unclear, and it puts undue pressure on couples to splurge. I prefer experiential gifts, like trying a new restaurant, over traditional V-Day treats. However, with birthdays and other celebrations already accounted for, Valentine’s Day gifts are not in our budget.

The Pressure to Spend

The pressure to spend, spend, spend on Valentine’s Day is overwhelming, especially for those who can’t afford it. It’s unnecessary and stressful, and it creates unrealistic expectations. Instead of waiting for one special day, we should focus on making every day with our partner special.

A More Intimate Celebration

This year, I’ll be skipping the restaurant scene and cooking a nice meal at home. My boyfriend and I will recreate our anniversary dinner, which falls just before Valentine’s Day. We’ll make moules frites and steak, a tradition that’s more meaningful than any overpriced, commercialized celebration.

Making Small Moments Special

As Chelsea wrote, it’s essential to remember that big events like Valentine’s Day are just one night among many in our lives. We don’t need to make it perfect; instead, we can create special moments anytime we choose. By doing so, we can avoid the pressure and expense that comes with trying to make one day unforgettable.