Don’t Put a Price Tag on Love

It’s hard growing up in a generation where every little thing is broadcast online. With the reinstated use of TikTok and the approach of Valentine’s Day, the omnipresent consumerism plaguing our generation’s minds is clear as day. 

I’ve spent the past week preoccupied with what to get my boyfriend for Valentine’s Day. I’ve always found men difficult to shop for. But when I go on TikTok or Pinterest the only inspiration I see are thousand-dollar bracelets or “Boo Baskets,” and I’m disappointed. 

The trend of rampant consumerism has ruined Valentine’s Day, turning eyes away from the holiday. What started as a celebration of love has quickly morphed into a competition of who receives the best gifts. 

A 2023 Montclair University study analyzed social media data and found the search terms “Valentine’s Day” was associated with terms such as “gift” 131.17% more than the term “love.”

Valentine’s Day was originally a celebration of the death and burial of St. Valentine, the patron saint of courtly love and beekeepers, according to The History Channel. Before his death, he supposedly signed a letter with the phrase “From your Valentine” — a salutation still common today.

Legends about St. Valentine differ, but they all emphasize the ideals of the holiday — sympathy and love.

However, that’s not what Valentine’s Day looks like today. 

British chocolate maker Richard Cadbury started to package his Valentine’s Day chocolate in heart-shaped boxes in 1861, according to CNN. Since then, heart-shaped products have become synonymous with the holiday, whether in packaging, patterns or advertisements. This also cemented chocolate as a Valentine’s Day staple. 

Because of the mass publicity and glamorization of relationships on social media, over-the-top and pricey bouquets are expected — especially on Valentine’s Day. Something as simple as not receiving flowers prompts people to publicly complain online, leading to comment sections filled with unsolicited advice advocating for a break-up, touting the trite adage, “If he wanted to, he would.”

Valentine’s Day has been consumed by itself. Individuals now have a negative view on the holiday, even if they’re in a relationship. 53% of Americans enjoy Valentine’s Day just as much as any other day, according to a 2024 YouGov poll where 60% of participants were in relationships.

In a day and age where everything is online and everyone has insane expectations for their relationship, we’re ignoring the one important thing we’re supposed to be celebrating — love.

Valentine’s Day isn’t about the flowers, chocolate or gifts — it’s about spending time with the people you love.

This Feb. 14, instead of focusing on what you get from your significant other, know the only thing that matters on this holiday of love is spending time and celebrating the person you love — and the beauty of love itself. 

Because of the mass publicity and glamorization of relationships on social media, over-the-top and pricey bouquets are expected — especially on Valentine’s Day. Something as simple as not receiving flowers prompts people to publicly complain online, leading to comment sections filled with unsolicited advice advocating for a break-up, touting the trite adage, “If he wanted to, he would.”

Valentine’s Day has been consumed by itself. Individuals now have a negative view on the holiday, even if they’re in a relationship. 53% of Americans enjoy Valentine’s Day just as much as any other day, according to a 2024 YouGov poll where 60% of participants were in relationships.

In a day and age where everything is online and everyone has insane expectations for their relationship, we’re ignoring the one important thing we’re supposed to be celebrating — love. 

Valentine’s Day isn’t about the flowers, chocolate or gifts — it’s about spending time with the people you love.

This Feb. 14, instead of focusing on what you get from your significant other, know the only thing that matters on this holiday of love is spending time and celebrating the person you love — and the beauty of love itself.