In an ever-growing commercialized world, everything from sports games to holidays are filled to the brim with companies trying to convince you to spend money, with Valentine’s Day being no exception.
Valentine’s Day has lost its heart, becoming just another day in the year that obligates those in relationships to spend money on specific things to show how much they care.
Rather than prioritizing the actual relationships, the focus has shifted to cards, candy and flowers that are only rolled out for one month a year and then rolled away again.
This was not always the case, back in the 14th century when the day first became associated with romance, it was a day of meaningful acts of affection and ‘Valentines’ that were hand-written, unique messages between partners and suitors to express their love.
The commercialization of Valentine’s Day is not a new thing, starting as far back as 1868 when Cadbury introduced their heart shaped chocolate box onto the market.
It has been a gradual process since then of new companies introducing new products that would soon become synonymous with the holiday.
Things like Hallmark’s Valentine’s Day cards and the estimated 224 million roses that are grown every year for Valentine’s Day have made almost every couple’s celebration tainted by consumerism.
This increase in commercialization has also increased the pressure around the day while simultaneously decreasing the meaning.
You feel obligated to purchase your partner something for Valentine’s Day because you are often expected to, but you also do not have to put much thought into it as everywhere you look there are plenty of options that will do just fine.
Acts of genuine care are few and far between though because of the incessant advertising and marketing surrounding the holiday that has completely taken over.
This Valentine’s Day, skip the roses and heart-shaped chocolate boxes and try your best to do something original and unique for the one you care about.
It will mean far more than any Hallmark card ever could.
But of course, that’s just one man’s opinion.
Categories: Opinion
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