Love is in the air this Valentine’s Day, but there is more to it than meets the eye. Stress, heartbreak, and isolation lie under the surface of this "affectionate” holiday.
Like many, this romantic holiday has grown into one of underlying concerns and conflict, Gen Z being in the direct line of fire. Teens already face day-to-day pressures from peers and teachers, but on top of that, Valentine’s Day emphasizes the pressure to be in a relationship.
When asked how she feels about Valentine’s Day, LHS Freshman Molly Redman responded, “It’s cute but I think it should be about love in general and not about relationships... I consider it daunting because it makes me feel like there’s expectations to be in a relationship.” It is reasonable to be offset by a holiday so focused on unrealistic social expectations, and these feelings of stress only amplify a teen’s mental response to all the love in the air. This is only where it begins.
At most schools, gift-giving is a regular occurrence on Valentine’s Day. It can be thoughtful and sweet; however, some may claim that it is the stem of many issues. Deciding on an affordable and yet thoughtful gift for your partner is another spark of a teen’s stress.
LHS Sophomore Mareli Guzman claimed that it could be stressful to find the “perfect gift” for your partner, but that the gift shouldn’t be what matters. She continued that it matters more how your partner treats you and what they do for you every day, not just on Valentine’s Day. No matter the stress that people face, no matter gifts or social pressures, it is important to
remember the true meaning of Valentine’s Day.
People may have different ideas, but the true meaning at heart is setting aside a day of celebration for the family, friends, and other loved ones in people’s lives which is so incredibly important and special.
LHS Junior Tanner Andersen said it best: “I think it should be an enjoyable day that should never have negative feelings tied to it... there is definitely always pressure to find the perfect gift but I always look at it as the person you are with likes you as much as you like them so they are going to love whatever you get them.”
The focus on the negative connotations of Valentine’s Day is one that has no place in a positive celebration of affection.
According to an article from the South West News Service, four in five Americans look forward to celebrating Valentine’s Day.
If anyone feels lonely on this holiday, there are many alternatives to celebrating with a partner.
Rather than feeling lonesome, individuals can celebrate something else instead. One way to distract could be turning Valentine’s into the widely celebrated “Galentine’s” in which people get together with female friends (“gals”) and throw either an anti-Valentine's Day party or a time to gather and have fun.
More alternatives could include spending time with pets at home, going out with family, or using the day as a time to celebrate self-love.
So, Valentine’s Day should not necessarily be about dating or about antagonistic ideas, but rather about the love in people’s lives and celebrating the connections that people have to each other.
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