February 14^th. Not a fan, at all.

No, I’m not bitter. No, I’m not alone. No, I’m not sad.

I simply find it to be one of the most ridiculous holidays that allows stores and restaurants all over the world to make an insane amount of money off of the idea that this one day is meant for those who are “in love.”

Yes, insert air quotes for all you couples who put on some façade for a day. Those of you who stop arguing so that you can make a cute post. Those of you who act like you’re doing great when all of us know you’re close to the end. Those of you who simply want to put on an act to make yourselves feel better and give into this money-sucking holiday.

Think about it. How often do you make a reservation for dinner? How often do you have to buy movie tickets in advance? It’s rare nowadays. Then all of the sudden February 14^th rolls around and you better have made a reservation two weeks in advance. You better have preordered your movie tickets.

Even more upsetting, if you didn’t make that reservation, if you didn’t order those tickets, two weeks in advance your significant other is most likely now mad at you because they don’t get the romantic night that they wanted. And for some reason, people accept the fact that romantic date nights, whether dinner or a movie, shouldn’t happen often. Valentine’s Day is apparently reserved for that.

Valentine’s Day also seems to be reserved for giving flowers, gifts, or something as easy as chocolates. People are so wrapped up in the idea that if they mean something to someone else, this is the day and holiday to show it.

Why not show it every day?

Why do what is expected of you as a couple, and go out on the one day of the year that is the most crowded place for a pair? I have never understood it. Nor have I ever agreed with it.

Cliché holidays unfortunately exist and have become a major excuse to spend money on people. Whether Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, or Father’s Day, we have all made it acceptable for industries to jack up prices and promote presents that simply aren’t necessary for a single day.

If you love your significant other, great, really, I am happy for you. If you were that person who thought about Valentine’s Day plans and went out of your way to ensure a romantic date, hats off to you because many people wait until last minute.

But think about now putting that same dedication into every day that is spent with your other half. No, I don’t mean that you need to go on dinner dates every night of the week or never come home without flowers or chocolates.

Think about making these occasions happen on other days than those that are expected. Forget about the cliché date night of Valentine’s Day and remember what is actually important in your relationship.