Have any of you ever wondered if Valentine's Day is overrated? Why do we really celebrate Valentine's Day anyway? Here are some reasons people think Valentine's Day is overrated according to 10 Reasons Why Valentine’s Day Is Overrated.
1. Being Single. People often think that it makes those that are not in relationships feel unloved. They have to deal with all the couples holding hands and making out at the club. Now they have to see a whole day dedicated to mushy love songs, cheesy lifetime movies and happy girls holding teddy bears and chocolate hearts.
2. Stress. People who are in relationships are given a reason to stress out. Valentine's Day can get quite expensive for couples. It is a day to make plans- get her roses, some chocolates and make dinner reservations. It is also another day to freak out if everything doesn't go exactly as planned.
3. Stereotypes. Gender stereotypes are emphasized. Valentine's Day is when guys prove how much they love their girl. Girls just have to sit back and relax as their guys try to stress about planning them the perfect night. Valentine's Day feeds into the stereotype that men are dominant in the relationship and what would I do without him. Men and women should be equal in relationship not one person do more than the other.
4. One day of love. People take it as a day to express their undying love for each other when every day should be for expressing your love for each other. If you love someone enough to be in a relationship with them, express your feelings every day on a daily basis. You should always treat your significant other with as much love and admiration as you do on Valentine's Day.
5. Unoriginality. People propose on Valentine's Day. Girls expect to be proposed on Valentine's Day, which takes away all the originality and surprise of it all. Don't you want originality when he pops the question? Also everyone gets engaged on Valentine's Day. Do you really want to share one of the most important days of your life with tons of other men and women?
6. In it for the wrong reasons. Our cultural mythology of Valentine's day can be considered childlike, immature and even harmful to ourselves or our self esteem at least if we choose to believe it is only for romantic couples. So many people refer to Valentine's Day as Single Awareness Day. The commercialization doesn't help by wrapping us up with expectations of flowers, chocolates and cards that make us feel left out if we are not receiving.
What is the real meaning of Valentine's Day?
According to The Huffington Post, "In fact, the mysterious origins of Valentine’s Day — and its said protagonist, St. Valentine — is more of the heroic kind of love than the kiss-y kind. As the martyrology goes, St. Valentine was jailed for continuing to secretly marry young lovers, defying Romans rules in the third century that insisted single men made better soldiers. For this he was sentenced to death and later named for the holiday celebrating lovers. But his act of love was his act of service to the soldiers."
So this year make your own annual tradition and channel the true power of this important day. Show gratitude and appreciation to everyone who has touched your life this year- such as giving them a gift, a hug or a simple call. Bring flowers to your best friend who is perpetually single. Call your grandparent you've been meaning to talk to, make some homemade soup or cookies for that person who did you a big favor this year. It will make you feel wonderful! That's what the day is about: being of service, spreading love, expressing your positive emotions and feeling good.
