Valentine’s day- An expression of love or consumerism?

Valentine's day is a dreaded obligation for some of those in a relationship to buy their partner an expensive gift, shower them with love (symbolised by things not words), take them out on an expensive dinner and essentially suck all the actual romance out of the day with an empty wallet and high expectations.

This obligation forces most lovebirds to spend a lot of money on over-packaged, environmentally-harmful, practically useless and mass-produced items such as chocolates, flowers, cards and other lovey-dovey items. But, where has this obligation come from? When did love become about the things you buy and not about your actions?

Consumerism is a major problem in our modern society, and it's a trap, it's a lie. Step back for a moment, and look at the things you own, for how long do they bring you happiness?

Sure, there are things that will bring happiness forever, like a guitar, but all those shoes, clothes, jewellery and meaningless gadgets and devices … for how long do you actually feel joy from those things? They are transient, and can only offer short-term gratification at best.

Although the origins of Valentine's Day are uncertain, many believing it stems from St. Valentine who was a Roman priest who was martyred on or around February 14 in the year 270 CE, it has definitely evolved over time.

The ancient ceremony of Valentine's day consisted of putting girl's names in a box and letting boys draw them out. This eventually turned into the custom of anonymous card sending or messages to those who one admired. Which, in my opinion, seems like a much better reason for Valentine's day, it's not about showing or proving to the person you're in a relationship with that you love them, rather starting a new flame for the people not in a relationship by getting the courage to tell their feelings to their admired. Whether it be anonymous or not.

In our modern consumer-driven, being "struck by cupid's arrow" can be just far too expensive and wasteful. This year, don't fall into the consumer trap, see it as a day to express your love the old-fashioned way… or at least an environmentally friendly way.

Spend time with your partner, not money.

Give love, not things.