“Never start what you cannot sustain”
The air was filled with anticipation as Valentine's Day approached, and Oliver wanted to make it the most unforgettable day for his girlfriend, Emily. They had been dating for 6 months now. Determined to sweep her off her feet, Oliver devised an extravagant plan. He spared no expense, booking a table at the most upscale restaurant in town, purchasing a dazzling bouquet of roses, and even arranging for a surprise carriage ride through the city.
As the day unfolded, Emily was genuinely touched by Oliver's efforts. The restaurant was adorned with dim lights and live music, creating a romantic ambiance. The aroma of delicious food filled the air, and Oliver couldn't help but bask in the joy of making Emily smile. How should we celebrate Valentine's Day
However, as the night progressed, Oliver's excitement began to wane. He nervously glanced at the menu, realizing that the prices were far steeper than he had anticipated. The carriage ride turned out to be an unexpected expense, and the bill at the restaurant left his wallet considerably lighter.
The following days were filled with dread as Oliver grappled with the financial aftermath of his extravagant gesture. The lavish spending on Valentine's Day had pushed him beyond his budget, and he struggled to make ends meet. He couldn't afford the luxuries he once showered upon Emily.
Noticing the strain in their relationship, Emily confronted Oliver about the sudden change. As he explained his financial predicament, Emily's disappointment grew. She had appreciated the grand gestures, but the inability to sustain that lifestyle weighed heavily on their relationship. In the end, faced with the financial reality and a growing rift between them, Emily made the difficult decision to part ways with Oliver. She valued stability and responsibility, qualities that Oliver seemed to have neglected in the pursuit of an extravagant Valentine's Day.
As Oliver watched Emily leave, he realized the true cost of his impulsive decisions. The glitter of a single night had dimmed the prospects of a lasting love. As he moved forward, Oliver vowed to learn from his mistakes and find a balance between expressing love and maintaining a sustainable relationship.
There’s no shortage of people who’ve made a similar mistake as Oliver in their dating lives. We’ve been sold the myth of having a special Valentine’s Day celebration. Valentine’s Day has been marketed as that day when people (men mostly) ought to go above and beyond for their romantic partners. It’s like that one day defines the relationship for a whole year. How fair is that? To some ladies, if their partner does nothing special on that day, it’s an issue. What about the remaining 364 days? This paradigm is beneficial for businesses that make money through extravagant experiences and lavish gifts couples buy for each other.
While it’s nice to celebrate love, the economics of Valentine's Day can pose various dangers, both for individuals and businesses. Here are some potential concerns: How should we celebrate Valentine's Day
1. Consumer Spending Pressure
Valentine's Day often puts pressure on individuals to spend money on gifts, flowers, and romantic experiences. This can lead to overspending and financial strain for those on a tight budget. It becomes worse when people put pressure on their partners to do more than they can afford. It doesn’t help that social media is amplifying that pressure as we see seemingly “happy” couples everywhere having desirable experiences. The pressure hits harder on singles who tend to feel inadequate when almost everyone else is “booed up.” What we don’t realize is that those shared moments are but a drop in the ocean of reality. No one will post their hardships online. How should we celebrate Valentine's Day
2. Inflation of Prices
As the demand for flowers, chocolates, and other gifts surges around Valentine's Day, businesses may increase prices, taking advantage of the heightened demand. This can result in inflated costs for consumers. Individuals get the shorter end of the stick causing more financial struggles later. Some people may feel pressured to go into debt to afford Valentine's Day gifts or experiences, contributing to personal financial burdens and potentially long-term consequences.
3. Emotional Stress
For individuals, the pressure to buy the perfect gift or plan an extravagant date can lead to stress and anxiety. This emotional burden may not only affect personal well-being but can also impact relationships. Expectations often lead to disappointment. When our expectations become so unrealistic because of what we see on social media, we easily get disappointed by what get or don’t get from our partners.
4. Retailer Dependency
Businesses that heavily rely on seasonal events like Valentine's Day may face challenges if they don't diversify their revenue sources. Dependence on a single holiday can make them vulnerable to economic fluctuations. How should we celebrate Valentine's Day
5. Market Manipulation
Some businesses may engage in marketing tactics that exploit the emotional nature of the holiday, using sentimental appeal to sell products at higher prices or promote unnecessary purchases. This usually includes pushing the idea of having a Valentine or date for the day. Again, those who are single are often pressured to find a date at all costs to take away the shame. We need to realize that being single is a blessing and not a curse. If you feel lonely then you lack direction and not a partner. Check out THIS article to learn more about what you should be doing when single. How should we celebrate Valentine's Day
6. Environmental Impact
The production and disposal of Valentine's Day-related items, such as cards, packaging, and flowers, can contribute to environmental issues. Excessive waste and resource consumption are concerns associated with the economic aspects of the holiday.
Just as consumers need to be mindful of their spending, businesses ought to consider ethical and sustainable practices in their Valentine's Day promotions. Additionally, maintaining a balance between expressing affection and avoiding excessive commercialization can contribute to a healthier economic perspective on the holiday. These dangers highlight the need for individuals and society to reflect on the true meaning of Valentine's Day and consider more meaningful and sustainable ways to express love and appreciation. After all, it’s just one day in the year. We shouldn’t wait for that day to do things that we’ve never done before. We should celebrate and love our partners, family, and friends daily. Whatever we do on Valentine’s Day should just be a continuation of what we’ve been doing already. How should we celebrate Valentine's Day
What do you think? Is Valentine’s Day overhyped in today’s culture? Should we be going above and beyond on that day? If your boyfriend/girlfriend doesn’t do anything special on that day, will you consider it a red flag? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
Thank you for reading and don’t forget to share these with your family and friends. We wish you a happy Valentine’s Day in advance. Until next time, remain blessed.