Point-Counterpoint: Are Valentine’s Day traditions superficial?

Yes – Deo Chand:

When February rolls around, many people await Valentine's Day. Whether it is a couple waiting for the time to express their love for one another, or a single person hoping to find a significant other on this special day, we all anticipate February 14, and for good reason.

To begin, couples find their relationship strengthened by this day. A struggling relationship that is about to break apart may find their spark rekindled, or a passionate relationship may find their bond grows stronger. During this eventful day, couples can find many ways to express their love for each other, as per tradition. Simple displays of affection, such as getting each other chocolates and flowers, can bring two individuals’ relationship closer. Going out on a date during Valentine’s Day ensures that happy couples are both spending valuable time with one another and engaging with each other.

Equally important, Valentine’s Day gives couples time to reflect and understand one another. For example, a failing relationship may be in need of more communication, and vowing to reform one’s relationship starting with Valentine’s Day can save struggling relationships. Single people fall into one of two categories. Some ignore the day and mourn that they are single, while others look for their own love, playing Cupid. Valentine’s Day, by nature, is a wonderful day to foster new connections and find a new partner. A single relationship can start on February 14 with some chocolate, flowers, and a massive crush.

Whether they are single or not, most will find some sort of value inherent in Valentine’s Day. And, as it approaches, many will find time to strengthen their bond through grand, affectionate gestures. However, even without gifts or impressive dates, the day can still be meaningful through engaging in simple reflection or taking the time to care of one’s relationships.

No – Scout Shipley:

Valentine’s Day is often glorified as a romantic holiday characterized by thoughtfulness and affection. But, in reality, Valentine’s Day is a superficial holiday, not a romantic one.

Although a holiday seems like a nice way to brighten up one’s February, Valentine’s Day falls short of having this uplifting effect, and instead feels lackluster. Valentine’s Day may have started out as an honest and well-intentioned holiday, but it has morphed into a surface-level and completely underwhelming celebration. For people that are in relationships, Valentine’s Day can be a nice, pleasant festivity, but over-the-top, rampant consumerism robs the holiday of its authenticity. As I was talking to junior Karolina Simonik, she brought up how she thinks the holiday is just a stupid way to express love, saying, “I think Valentine’s Day is dumb because it's just a reason for people to get up and tell their significant other that they love them, when really they're only doing it because of the pressure of the holiday. We should be telling people how we feel more often.”

In addition to being surface-level and superficial, there are many high expectations for the holiday that are oftentimes not met, including going out to a fancy restaurant, buying expensive gifts like jewelry, and finding the perfect bouquet of flowers. These expectations lead to stress, and frantic last-minute purchases of disingenuous gifts. According to the National Retail Federation, last year in the U.S, a staggering $27.5 billion was spent on February 14, meaning an average of $190 was spent per person. Moreover, as costs rise with inflation, showing your love can become an increasingly pricey affair, even though money shouldn't even factor into a loving relationship. After all, a tacky card doesn't replace a heartfelt one, and candy or stuffed animals can hardly compete with genuine love.

Additionally, for singles, Valentine’s Day can be particularly grueling. Although there is no issue with living in solitude, this holiday assigns negative connotations to being alone, creating unnecessary pressure to “find your soulmate.” So, how can we find actual value in our relationships when we're drowning in this overly commercialized, fake holiday? Well, while you're splurging, there's always going to be family and friends who need to feel included - so spread the love! Classic “Galentine’s Day” sleepovers with friends are a distraction from this holiday stress. At the end of the day, choosing connection over consumption can turn this shallow holiday into a meaningful one.