Is Valentine’s Day Necessary?

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

Controversial title given today is Valentine’s day also known as Saint Valentine’s day, the annual celebration of love. However, as we navigate a world where there is increased uncertainty, daily challenges in terms of the cost of living and the affects this has on our mental health. Is Valentine’s day necessary? Does it provide more harm than good given the pressure to keep up with others in terms of consumerism in purchasing lavish gifts and to create the perfect day.

Valentine’s Day Proposal

Long before I met my husband, I recall the dreaded feeling whenever Valentine’s day came around. As a singleton and growing up in a strict, Nigerian household in the UK. There were no parties, no going-out with friends and absolutely no boyfriends were allowed.

Needless to say, I obviously was not in a relationship, so Valentine’s day was certainly not for me at the time. I knew that if I partake in such affairs, my parents will surely send me on the first plane to Nigeria as punishment! School and university education came first.

In fact, the first time I actually participated in this annual occasion, was when my husband proposed to me on Valentine’s day back in my mid-twenties, some 15 years ago. Some would say great result for the girl who never had anything to do with Valentines and an inspiration for those who have practically given up on finding love!

A Celebration of Love

So, my question is Valentine’s Day necessary? We know Valentine’s Day is a celebration of love.  It originated as a Christian feast day honouring the Christian Martyr, Saint Valentine and, through later folk traditions, has become a significant cultural, religious, and commercial celebration of romance and love in many regions of the world. It’s a day to show appreciation to the one in your life.

In the UK, just under half of the population spend money on their Valentines, and around £1.9 billion was spent in 2015 on cards, flowers, chocolates and other gifts.

So, what about the drawbacks, we know that if you’re not in a relationship, you could feel excluded from the event. It could create unrealistic expectations for those in relationships to pull off the perfect Valentine’s day and indulge in materialism, thereby putting financial strain on relationships.

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• 5 things couples can do to enjoy Valentine’s Day
• 5 things single people shouldn’t do on Valentine’s Day

Is the Celebration Inclusive, or is it just for Couples?

In my view, I think Valentine days should be open to anyone who is important to you, whether its your parents, your best friend, a sister, your children etc. There should be a wider variety of cards one can give to anyone you choose. For example, I’ve recently seen an emergence of cards you can give to your parents and friends on Valentine’s day. I also love the concept of Galentine’s day, normally celebrated on the 13^th of February the day before Valentines. Galentine’s day celebrates platonic friendships, especially among women.

Real Love, I’m Searching for Real Love

More importantly, I don’t think there should be one day where you show your appreciation and love for someone. It should be a continual act, we should always show appreciation to the ones we love, not just on this one day of the year. You definitely don’t need a mascot or carved out day to celebrate something ordained by God.  It should be something we do continuously and that should be the norm.

Nonetheless, I wish you all a wonderful Valentine’s day, whatever you decide to do. For those who are not in relationships, remember– the most important relationship is with yourself. Before you can love anyone, its important to love yourself first.

Real love is the love you have for yourself.