I am all for the celebration of Valentine’s Day. There should be a day dedicated to love and romance.  It is important to let your significant other know how much you love them and how grateful you are to have them in your life.  

However, just like most other holidays, I do believe Valentine’s day has become too commercialized. There are additional pressures every year to come up with more and more outlandish Valentine’s Day gifts and dates.

  I’m sure you have heard the argument that Valentine’s Day is a “Hallmark holiday”. I would be inclined to agree with this. Is spending money the only way to show affection these days?

Sure, you could spend $60 on that teddy bear made out of fake roses we have all seen being advertised on Instagram for your Valentine, but from my point of view it just looks like a desperate attempt to get laid. I would much rather show my affection by making dinner for my Valentine.  Actually, scratch that. That poor girl is probably sick of my mediocrity in the kitchen. I should take her out to a nice restaurant.   

Bottom line is Valentine’s Day should be a day which you can display your genuine feelings for someone you care about.

I can’t help but notice that Valentine’s Day is one of the most divisive holidays in the calendar.  It is either the highlight of February for some people or the most depressing day of the year for others. Since I am in a relationship, I am looking forward to spending Valentine’s Day with my girlfriend.
As a straight male, I feel it is the male’s responsibility to treat his woman on Valentine’s Day. I honestly expect no gifts or secret plans from my significant other; just her availability is enough to make me happy. If she chooses to get me anything, that is just a bonus. From my point of view, I feel Valentine’s Day is a day of chivalry and that men should step up to the plate and remind our girlfriends or wives that they are appreciated and loved.

However, I also know that Valentine’s Day can be extremely difficult for single people.  There is no worse feeling than spending the one day dedicated to love and compassion alone in isolation.  there have been plenty of Valentine’s days in the past that have just made me feel lonely and despise the number 14.  

If you have single friends, it may be worth it to reach out to them with a phone call or text.  They may not be your romantic partner, but it is always nice to know loved ones are thinking of you. I also think it is best to avoid as much social media on Valentine’s Day as possible if you are single.  Chances are, scrolling through a hundred sappy Valentine’s Day posts will most likely just make you feel worse.

Try and keep a positive attitude.  Someone might be dying to ask you to be their Valentine!

Micheal is a senior English major and an Op/Ed Contributor for The Voice.