Roses are red,
Violets are blue,
So you say Valentine’s day is overrated?
Well, I think that too.
What better way to start this argument than with a well-known, entirely overused Valentine's Day poem? Being short and sweet, it certainly is the complete antithesis of this holiday. Shamelessly plastered on social media accounts and billboards worldwide, February 14th is the time for grand cliché gestures of what is claimed to be "true love." As we are blinded by an overwhelming rise in chocolate and stuffed animal prices, countless self-pitying remarks about the single life, and a never-ending stream of couple photos, we fail to acknowledge the sheer superficiality of the celebration and why it has become a matter of societal concerns.
Firstly, Valentine's day reinforces strict masculine stereotypes and unrealistic expectations. The common mentality that men must shower their partner with gifts and a fancy night out, results in average spending of $150 for males, compared to a mere $74 for females. This highlights the traditional male-oriented role of providing for women. As ridiculous as it may seem, research has shown that roughly 53% of women will end their relationship if they did not receive a gift. Ironically, we are attempting to battle these rigid gender conventions in everyday life, but with these ideals put in place, there is a contradiction present.
Furthermore, there is increased pressure and anxiety leading up to this special date as couples jump through hoops in order to formulate an elaborate scheme. Consequently, there is an unhealthy rivalry between couples as they flood social media feeds with hourly updates in an attempt to achieve the coveted title of "couple goals." Despite their efforts to attain this virtual perfection, they fall far short of the real thing. Despite the efforts to demonstrate infallible love, Valentine's Day (and the week after) is one of the most popular days to break-up on; the fact that a couple examines their relationship so closely leads them to determine whether or not they are fully committed to each other. The idealised versions of romance greatly contrast the harsh realities partners face in their quotidian lives.
Undoubtedly, Valentine's Day can be regarded as an "expectation holiday" to indulge in a fanciful, hyperbolic love for a partner, but if you truly love them, would you not display your appreciation on a daily basis? When stepping back and looking at the bigger picture, you realise that regardless of your efforts, you are only a carbon copy of the millions of gestures done, thus making it insincere and overrated.
In conclusion, there would not be a more suitable way to wrap up this argument than with, yet again, another rhyme.
Roses are red,
Violets are blue,
I think the House should win,
How about you?
Camila G, Year 12