As Feb. 14 draws near, hearts start beating, but not for the reasons you might think. It’s not because of love or passion. Hearts are pounding out of sheer panic, which leads to a question worth some self-introspection: How do you stop your V-day from turning into a D-day?
The origins of Valentine’s Day are obscure. Valentine’s Day began as a pagan Roman festival. Then a pope decided to turn it into a Christian feast day. Who exactly St. Valentine was remains a mystery. History tells us that there were at least three saints by that name and all three, strangely enough, were said to have been martyred on Feb. 14.
Suffice to say, none of the early Christian saints by that name probably ever imagined the spending frenzy that goes along with this holiday, which allegedly celebrates love.
Last year, consumers spent nearly $13 billion on gifts for Valentine’s Day in the U.S., with the average consumer spending $99.24. Sixty-four percent of men bought flowers for their loved one, compared to 16 percent of women.
Moreover, a survey by the National Retail Federation found that young adults show the most enthusiasm for Valentine’s Day, with the average 18 to 24-year-old spending almost $155. Greeting cards, candy and flowers are the most popular gifts.
“Valentine’s is not about money,” freshman Semond Coleman said, “It’s about love. Don’t get caught up in the commercialized nonsense of V-day. It’s not what you spend on that person, it’s the quality of time you share with them.”
Deontae Holland agrees. The pure moments of V-day are what count, he said. “I told someone I loved her for the first time on Valentine’s Day, and it was actually true!”
Lawrence Lacy, a sophomore, described the holiday as “a Hallmark conspiracy,” meaning that commercial retailers such as Hallmark drive the holiday – not love. And, he is not far off the mark: According to the Greeting Card Association, 25 percent of all cards sent each year are valentines.
However, you don’t have to dig deep into your pockets to show your Valentine how much you love him or her. Here’s a list of things you can do to say “I Love You” for $25 or less.
10. Call home: Collect
9. Snuggle
8. Take a walk in the park together.
7. See a movie at the $2 theater on Peters Creek Parkway.
6. Have a at home spa, and take turns pampering each other with massages.
5. Plan a picnic, indoors or out.
4. Cozy up on a couch with popcorn and watch a favorite movie.
3. Take turns feeding each other your favorite desserts
2. Write or recite a poem that truly expresses how you feel.
1. Say “I love in you” in three ways: Je t’aime (French), Te amo (Spanish), Nakupenda (Swahili).