The Pressure of Valentine’s Day and it’s High Expectations

Written by: Malissa Mohabir

As Valentine’s Day comes around each year, a lot of students start to feel pressure about what their relationship should look like. People expect gifts, dates, and even social media posts, which can make the holiday stressful instead of exciting. A lot of these expectations don’t come from the relationship itself, but from what we see online or what our friends talk about.

Social media has a huge influence on how Valentine’s Day is viewed. When couples post big flower arrangements, expensive gifts, or long captions, it can make it seem like that’s the only way love can be shown. This leads to people comparing their own relationships to others, even though every relationship is different. Not everyone has the money for big gifts, and not everyone even wants to celebrate in that way.

Another problem is expecting your significant other to automatically know what you want. Some people care more about spending time together, while others desire presents and heartfelt posts online. When those expectations aren’t spoken about between partners, it can cause disappointment or awkward tension. Valentine’s Day can already be emotional, so communication really matters.

Valentine’s Day shouldn’t be about trying to impress other people. Simple things like hanging out, watching a movie, or just spending quality time together can be just as impactful. What matters is the effort and making sure both people feel appreciated. At the end of the day, Valentine’s Day should be about the relationship, not the pressure that comes with it. If people focused less on comparisons and more on honest communication, the holiday would be a lot more enjoyable. Love isn’t about how much you spend or what you post, it’s about how you treat each other.