Valentines Day

Personally, I think Valentine's Day is highly overrated. Year by year on the 14th of February couples prepare for their date at the cinema, reservation at a restaurant, or any other activity that clings to societies expectation of what is ‘romantic’ – which isn't as easy as it used to be.

Specifically for us single ladies it’s safe to bet that Valentines Day will most likely consist of a similar version of one of the following. A) remaining alone and consuming our own body weight in Ben and Jerry’s, dedicating the day to our favourite cheesy, cliché romance films that we know deep down, we wouldn't subject ourselves to at any other time of the year – or B) inviting the gal-pals over to celebrate being independent women who "don’t need men" but somehow result the night surrounded by empty pizza, and tissue boxes, bawling our eyes out over the heartbreaking realisation that Noah Calhoun from The Notebook doesn't exist in real life. 

In other words - the 14^th of February is basically a night full of agonising reminders of the reasons why we aren't on a date right now. 

Moreover, a feeling of equality is lost. Valentine's makes gender stereotype acceptable on that particular day. A majority of men are expected to book the tables, get the flowers and surprise the girl. So not only is V-Day overrated but also against gender equality.

When I was younger, I used to think Valentine's Day was romantic, a day set aside for people to celebrate their love together, and I still do! However I came to realise as I got older how stupid that thought is. Every day should be a day to celebrate your love with another, not just on this specific day.

Oh, the pressure of gift giving. It's not just the singles, but couples have it bad too! I hate to pull a Sheldon Cooper here, but you're not giving a gift, you're giving an obligation. Not to mention the worry of what the gift you give says about your relationship. What if they get you a thoughtful handmade scrapbook along with expensive jewellery, and you get them an apple?

My advice to all the singles out there - don't beat yourself up over not having a date/significant other this year. Instead, wake the fudge up and remind yourself that all the leftover chocolate in stores will be cut down to half price tomorrow morning (no pun intended, I promise).