Love. A word that has countless definitions. Many people, especially the young, imagine love as something fantastical, something omnipotent. From movies, advertisements, books, to media that portray love in a very exaggerated, romanticized way, people from a young age are exposed to an oversimplified and misrepresented concept of love: Love is the ultimate goal. In the end no matter where you were or are finding your prince charming will lead to your happily ever after.

The appealing idea of love, which misleadingly magnifies its perfection and beauty, draws people’s attention and brainwashes them to believe that love is some sort of fix all cure or magic that solves all problem. Companies use its “magical power” to make people spend their money and time into it.

This reality is perfectly shown through Valentine’s Day. Ironically, Valentine’s Day is one of the most genuine, emotion-filled, yet materialistic and lucrative holidays. People spend unbelievable amount of money and time in displaying and impressing their love to others. Millions rush out to buy chocolate, cards, flowers and jewelry to prove their affection. It has set the idea that not caring about gifts means not loving the person and the size and price of the gift define and correspond with their commitment and emotions.  According to a 2013 article by CNN, the average person will spend $130.97 on Valentine’s Day. The same article says that 51 percent of people buy roses for the holiday; 64 percent of men and 36 percent of women will buy flowers. By Valentine’s Day, the total spending for the day is $18.6-billion.

Especially because people are posting everything they have received on their social media, it is now not only about their own relationship but about showing others. They want something better than what their highschool friends got. They want pictures that receive more likes and comments than their friends. Social interaction has become less important than social media status and materialistic portrayal and true value of relationship and love has been forgotten.

When the holiday is supposed to be a reminder to celebrate love, show appreciation to the people you truly love, it has now become rather a day filled with pressure, superficial actions and thoughtless gifts.