How much money do you typically spend on Valentine’s Day celebrations?
If you answered anywhere near $140, you’d be right around the average amount Americans spent last year. Valentine’s Day is notorious for being a “Hallmark” holiday, and if you’re looking to impress your date or significant other, it can be difficult to ignore the pressure.
So, if you’re looking for an excuse to skip Valentine’s Day, you’re in a judgment-free zone. We have three reasons why you should bail and what you can do instead.
1. Don’t Be Chained to the Calendar
Who or what says you have to show your partner you love them on February 14? The calendar? The media? Your spouse?
The good news is that the calendar and the media don’t count, and you can reason with your spouse that you can celebrate at another, less-expensive time.
Prices are higher during Valentine’s Day, especially if you want to go out to eat. Everywhere you look, a reservation is required for a fancy three-to-five course meal, it’ll probably cost $50 per plate or more, and if you didn’t make a reservation, you’re looking at some sort of wait (or at the very least, slow service).
I don’t know about you, but that doesn’t sound like a fun time to me. Skip the day and celebrate next weekend if you feel the need to celebrate at all.
2. You’re Celebrating for the Wrong Reason
Are you guilty of celebrating Valentine’s Day simply because everyone else is doing it? That’s basically the holiday equivalent of keeping up with the Joneses, and there’s no logical reason for it.
I keep seeing new couples stressing out about whether they’re “serious” enough to celebrate after only dating for a few months or weeks, and it’s silly. Stop looking for validation outside of your relationship and do what you want! You shouldn’t let Valentine’s Day have that much control over your love life.
The simple solution to ignoring the Joneses is to focus on yourself and your relationship. Ignore your social media feeds, and figure out (with the help of your partner) how you can celebrate Valentine’s Day in a way that would actually make you both happy.
If you both decide that Valentine’s Day isn’t anything special, then you’re better off saving your money and putting it where it really matters: toward debt, savings, or investments.
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On the other hand, some people argue that Valentine’s Day is useful if you’ve been neglecting your relationship. Maybe life has been too busy to show your partner some appreciation, but you might want to consider making it a habit instead of going all out once a year. The last thing you need is an expensive, self-induced guilt-trip thanks to Valentine’s Day.
3. Is Your Love Language “Gifts”?
Most couples shower each other with gifts because it’s what we’re conditioned to do for Valentine’s Day. Cards, candy, dinner, lingerie, the whole nine yards. However, do gifts really say “I love you” for you?
If not, reconsider celebrating with your actual “love language.” The others are words of affirmation, quality time, physical intimacy, and acts of service.
Ask your significant other what they would appreciate more: a $140 necklace, or not having to do the dishes because you took care of them? Cuddling and watching a movie, or a meal that costs $100? Be sure to express what makes you happy as well.
You can always choose to “gift” an experience, too. If you live near where you started dating, take your significant other on a trip down memory lane. Stop by all the places you had your first few dates and reminisce. Alternatively, look through photos of your adventures together!
Once again, the key is ignoring outside influence and focusing on what your partner will find meaningful. If you think you’re doing your part by going out and buying a $140 necklace when she doesn’t wear jewelry, then you’re completely missing the mark.
There’s no reason to drop tons of money on presents if you both have a greater appreciation for something that’s free. Plus, by discussing things beforehand, neither of you will be worried about meeting expectations.
Figure Out What Valentine’s Day Means to You
There’s seriously no reason to try and “compete” with your friends to see who has the most romantic significant other, who gets the most chocolate, who gets the nicest flowers, or who receives the most gifts.
Doing so completely takes the focus off of what Valentine’s Day should be about. Instead, you’re left worrying about how to look like the most awesome boyfriend/girlfriend/spouse ever, according to society’s standards.
Stop worrying. An angry mob won’t come after you with pitchforks if you take another route. You know, one that’s actually meaningful to your significant other (in which case, you’ll avoid their pitchfork).
If all else fails, there’s at least discounted candy to look forward to the next day.
