Valentine’s Day: the most overrated, created by companies, holiday out there. Like seriously, the amount of stress and money spent on “the day of love” could be put to your college degree 10 times over. While I understand that you want to show and shower your significant other with love and gifts, some of the best gifts are not bought but made. As cheesy as it may sound, you may be shocked to learn that gifts and surprises that are made can be appreciated more than those that cost tons of money. Think about it. Would you rather receive a box of candy that will last a few days or special memories that will last a lifetime? 

As much as I will cherish any material gift given, I would prefer to make memories over anything else. Come on, how long are you honestly going to hold on to that ridiculous toy your first “love” gave you, or what about that stuffed animal your classmate gave you when you were 7 years old? I can almost guarantee that in 10 years you won’t even remember what was significant about that junk; you’ll have it stuffed away in a box somewhere, won’t even think twice about selling it in a garage sale. I do understand that there are cases where these objects may be sentimental and have real meaning, but over half the time they are senseless objects to collect dust and wither away. 

Have any of you been curious enough to research the history of this beloved holiday of yours? Valentine Day’s origins can be traced all the way back to the Roman festival of Lupercalia. Lupercalia was the celebration of spring coming and included fertility rites and the pairing off women to men by lottery. Pope Gelasius changed Lupercalia to St. Valentine’s Day later, more toward the end of the 5th century. 

In my honest opinion, I would be happy enough having someone with me on the day; I mean it is just another day. There are periods where even though I know I am not, I still feel deep down like I am alone; I am sure there are others who understand this feeling entirely, and having someone, besides family, to spend time or talk with truly helps. The memories made spending time together will always mean more to me than any material possession you give me.