Don't Care for Valentine's Day? You're Not Alone!

Not struck by Cupid's arrow this year? Don't fret - I'm one of those people who think Valentine's Day is way overrated, too.

For the past few years, I haven't bothered to celebrate Valentine's Day, despite the fact that I'm married. Part of it may be due to the fact that my husband's and my anniversary is just over a week later. Over the years, Valentine's Day just became so cliché and so obligatory. Everyone is abuzz about what to get their significant others; coworkers and friends may find themselves in competition with one another over who's more romantic. It seems at this time of year, love is measured in chocolate and roses, rather than what someone did for his/her significant other throughout the year.

Personally, Valentine's Day doesn't really do it for me. I don't enjoy sharing "that special day" with every other couple around me. I think that for my husband and I to celebrate our love for one another, we should have our own day devoted to our relationship. After all, what about waiting an hour and a half for a table in a crowded-to-capacity restaurant is "romantic?" After a few years, chocolates, roses, and teddy bears become tired, repetitive, thoughtless gestures.

To me, Valentine's Day has prompted a lack of creativity and put pressure on people to live up to a certain standard. Today's society dictates if you don't do anything special on Valentine's Day, there must be something wrong with you or the relationship. Of course, no one can determine the solidarity of your relationship besides you and your partner.

Another disadvantage to Valentine's Day - it really puts a damper on the day of those who are single. There's some truth to the term "Singles Awareness Day," an alternative name coined for Valentine's Day. Seeing everyone around receiving gifts and gushing about how sweet their significant others are only serve as a rude reminder to singles that they're alone. Even if a single person doesn't feel terribly alone on Valentine's Day, it's certainly not comforting to be singled out at school or work as the one who didn't get anything for Valentine's Day. It may prompt pity and unwelcome questions/attention from those around them.

Just to add to the fact that Valentine's Day is nothing special, it's the most popular day of the year to get married. Some people may do it because it's romantic, others may do it because they want their significant others to be able to remember their anniversary. I, however, don't fancy the idea of sharing my anniversary with countless other people.

In the end, you should celebrate Valentine's Day the way you see fit. But if you're one of those people who over the years has developed a distaste for the holiday even if you're in a loving, committed relationship, I can assure you that you're not alone!