Valentine’s Day originated during ancient Roman times at a festival. The festival, Lupercialia, marked the beginning of springtime and the tradition was to find a partner during this time. Gradually, people started using this holiday to express their feelings for their loved ones. 

Later, Hallmark decided to make it a holiday and then sold cards to profit off it, giving it the name “commercial holiday.” 

Now Valentine’s Day has become the perfect day for couples to express their love for each other. They get to rejoice and look back on memories that reflect on their time together. 

But for the rest of us who aren’t in a loving relationship, Valentine’s Day can feel quite lonely with all the obnoxious Snapchat and Instagram posts about how significant others are in love with each other. 

From all the flowers to chocolates, I always dread the day. Couples are seemingly forced to post with each other and write long paragraphs to prove to other people that their relationship is going well. 

The day starts off with couples gloating about their two-week relationship that started over Snapchat streaks. Like come on, could you be any more obvious to the fact that you barely know the person?

Now don’t get me wrong here, I’m all for love and creating a special bond with a forever partner, but relationships on Valentine’s Day don’t typically feel authentic but rather ingenuine. 

For some people, Valentine’s Day is an excuse to rub their relationship in other people’s faces. 

Valentine’s Day has basically become a scheme for Hallmark to make money off of couples pretending they actually remembered the holiday. When in reality, they whipped something up in two minutes that wasn’t thoughtful or genuine.

“I think Valentine’s Day is good for couples who have been dating for a long time but for couples, who just started dating it can be awkward,” said Ann Waldo, junior.

Some couples even feel pressure to create the perfect day for their partner based on movies and social media’s portrayal of love. 

“I think there is pressure to have some big Valentine’s Day with grandiose gestures and whatnot. However, I don’t really think [there is] social media pressure unless I seek it out,” said Kathleen Ryndak, senior. 

However, for some couples, Valentine’s Day is special because it proves to them that their partner loves and accepts them for who they are. It changes up the routine and gives an opportunity to show your partner how much they mean to you. For many, it feels nice to be acknowledged and appreciated for their efforts in a relationship. 

“I think Valentine’s Day is a cute holiday. Even though it’s traditionally for couples, I think it’s still versatile. It’s nice how girls have ‘Galentine’s day’,” Ryndak said.

But in my opinion, there shouldn’t be a specific holiday to prove to someone you love them. You should love and appreciate your partner every day. A special day once a year does not prove anything. If you really love your partner, you would let them know whenever possible and not let a ridiculous day get in the way.