The dreadful time of year arrives once again where aisles become clustered with red hearts and candy and people rush to their local stores to buy last-minute Valentine’s gifts for their significant other. The day that couples often look forward to as a time of romance also leaves single individuals bittersweet. As overrated as Valentine’s Day has become in this generation, media and society still fall into its devious scheme affecting an individual’s mental, emotional, and financial foundations.

Valentine’s Day festivities first made its appearance in America around the 1700s producing a huge market for greeting cards, stuffed animals, and flowers. When analyzing the concept of the holiday, one may conclude that the underlying goal represents an economic scam directed at the general public. American men become the first target on the Pagan holiday, each spending on average of 163.62 dollars on their romantic partner.

Local grocery stores also play a tremendous role in the financial scam by selling Valentine’s treats half off the next day just to rid their shelves of holiday stock. Individuals easily could save money by ignoring the connotation with Valentine’s Day and show their affection for their partner any other day. Ignoring Valentine’s Day saves money and also strengthens a relationship between two individuals knowing that they value each other every day out of the year besides when society decides to highlight it.  

Not only does Valentine’s create a dent in one’s wallet, but the distressing day also invokes holiday depression on individuals because of the lack of attention received. Men especially may feel an overwhelming pressure trying to find a gift for the one they love. Americans attempting to cope with the heartbreak from past lovers instantly endure the reminders for an entire day whether that includes noticing it on social media., the radio, or in the hallways. To avoid abundant sadness, individuals should understand that Valentine’s Day does not only mean showing devotion to a beloved but also towards family and friends. Valentine’s day should remind single individuals about the importance of maintaining a healthy relationship with themselves. Although couples may swarm the streets, spending the holiday alone celebrates self-love.

American culture definitely exaggerates and publicizes Valentine’s Day every year. When individuals dwell on materialistic items to express their affection, they extinguish the main concept that one should value—love.