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Anti-Valentines

The 14th is quickly approaching, something we have all noticed since the pink and red has appeared in shops ever since Boxing-Day passed us. Stocks appear very quickly, even before the new year is in, shoving down our throats this “day of love”, which naturally affects us all in different ways; some find themselves spiralling into depression, and others find themselves hurrying desperately to find themselves a sweetheart.
The holiday rooted from ancient Roman times, the festival of Lupercalia, a fertility celebration, which was recast as a pagan festival, known today as St Valentine’s day. But today, in 2017, is it still the same? As people hurry to find a loved one for this day, it’s hard to wonder if it’s still a festival of celebration, or whether it’s simply a day of consumer-driven and trivial interpretation of love.
People don’t understand the pressures this day puts on people; both the single and the taken. People already romantically involved have the stress of having to search for something for their other, and last year, each person spent an average of £105 on items for this day. Also, who finds something perfect for their loved one? Everyone knows they deserve so much more than the ‘cute’ pink and red fluff you find overflowing the shelves, but there is nothing of quality anymore; the day has gone from lovey to tacky. Continuing this point, those who do find something perfect for their partner, the chance of disappointment if their other doesn’t buy the perfect something for them, or as some have it, don’t receive anything at all after spending a lot. Of course, like on any holiday that involves presents, it’s the giving that counts, however, it hurts to be let down this way, and leads people questioning their worth to that person.
As for the singles; it's either the pressure of having to find someone, or the worry of being alone. Those who rush to find someone tend to be more likely to find themselves either with unwanted pregnancies from a Valentine’s one night stand, or in a type of abusive relationships. Then those who decide to remain single must struggle with the temporary depression that this day brings, from when the stock arrives on shelves to weeks later after it has all vanished. The depression they face leads them to coping in their own ways, such as avoiding friend groups, or not going to work. Those who don't have the ability to avoid social situations find themselves doing crazy things, such as last year; over 3 million people in the UK sent themselves a card just to avoid the embarrassment of being alone on this day.
Furthermore, Valentine’s day has the highest suicide rate compared to any other day of the year. There is an expectation that people should be happy around this time of year, after all the first signs of spring are appearing, and everyone seems to be in love, but that just emphasises the loneliness. The constant pressure to be and have one thing, when you simply don't and can't, for whatever reason that may be.

But truly, does anyone enjoy Valentine’s? You like chocolate, then you hit the jackpot on Halloween. Presents, you hit the motherload at Christmas. So maybe Valentine’s day is not bad, just can it really be a favourite holiday for anyone except Hallmark?

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