Valentine’s Day is one of the most controversial holidays in the U.S. Everyone has an opinion about it: either it is overrated or a sweet occasion to remind your friends and family that you love them. Ultimately, the effects of this holiday can be overwhelming and cause unnecessary stress. 

Because Valentine’s Day is celebrated soon after Christmas, it is yet another day when people feel obligated to splurge on purchases for their special someone. However, this person was probably already the recipient of expensive gifts during the holiday season. Prices go up universally because establishments expect their customers to be flocking to them in large numbers for their products and services, such as flowers or chocolate. This phenomenon unnecessarily leads to Valentine’s Day being one of the most expensive holidays of the year.

“I think that Valentine’s Day is a controversial holiday, especially for single people. It is a good way for people to express their love for their friends and family but it can get pretty expensive buying gifts for so many people,” sophomore Melissa Sosa said.

This holiday also plays a part in the rise in stress levels during the start of the year. New couples need to decide whether or not to do something to celebrate their relationship on Feb. 14. Their minds are probably filled with considerations about what kind of gift they should purchase for their significant other or whether they even want one.

If you decide that you do not want to celebrate at all, you might look like you are not ready to commit; however, if you do decide to do something, you risk looking desperate. Even couples that have celebrated Valentine’s Day before often find themselves overcome with the stress of having to come up with original ideas. 

In addition, Valentine’s Day can easily become performative. Many couples treat the day as an opportunity to prove they look picture-perfect; some even one-up each other by trying to out buy their partner. Social media platforms become bombarded with pictures of lavish restaurants and good looking couples. People want their bond to look better than their friends’ relationships, which undercuts what the holiday is supposed to be about. Ultimately, this day is just a competition to see who spends the most money on one another.

Many people decide to take their partner to a fancy restaurant on Valentine’s Day. Being able to make a reservation at a high-end restaurant can be quite difficult because of the high demand of hungry lovers. If you are able to find a spot to eat, your experience might not even be that great because of overworked staff and long lines of people waiting to get your table. Chefs and waiters, who just want to celebrate at home with their families, become overwhelmed as a result.

“I had a crush on a girl last year and bought her some flowers for Valentine’s Day, which totaled up to around ten dollars. This year, everything has gotten way more expensive and smaller in quantity,” sophomore Ryder Kedem said.

The planning process often starts during the weeks leading up to Valentine’s Day, and therefore takes up an unsettling amount of time. One alternative to going out is cooking a meal in the comfort of your home, which is still a memorable experience to share with a loved one. This choice eases the workload of hospitality employees and is a stress-free, inexpensive way for couples to celebrate.

Valentine’s Day simply leads to unnecessary fuss. Many people treat this nationwide holiday as the one occasion to express their love for others. Instead, they should strive to remind their loved ones each day of how much they care.