Imagine being gifted 500 roses or a giant six-foot teddy bear. The kind of gestures that seem straight out of a romantic comedy, where love is expressed in extravagant, over-the-top ways. Sounds amazing, right? But when Valentine’s Day rolls around, it’s not always roses and teddy bears sometimes, it’s the pressure of managing both emotional and financial expectations that makes this holiday feel overwhelming.
Valentine’s Day, often associated with romance, grand gestures and heartfelt connections, also brings its share of emotions. With expectations running high, the stress of finding the perfect gift, plan a flawless date or meet someone’s ideal vision of the day can cause anxiety. What seems like a day to celebrate love can quickly turn into a reminder of the emotional and financial strain that sometimes comes with it.
Juniors Andre Alvarado and Daisy Jimenez, who have been in a relationship for over a year, provide insight into how they navigate the emotional and financial pressures of this annual celebration.
For many, the financial burden of Valentine’s Day can feel heavy. The cost of roses, chocolates or jewelry, can quickly add up. But for Alvarado, the price of a gift is secondary to the meaning behind it.
“If it’s something special, then the price doesn’t really matter. That’s how much they mean to you,” Alvarado said.
While willing to spend what it takes, Alvarado acknowledges the financial strain caused by inflation in recent years. Noting that simple, shared activities can still make the day special.
“I wouldn’t really mind [the price of gifts], inflation is making us poor,” Alvarado said.
Jimenez suggests that the cost of gifts should depend on the length of the relationship.
“I feel like the budget depends on how long the relationship has been,” Jimenez said.
Jimenez believes that gifts don’t need to be expensive to be meaningful, and anything over $70 feels excessive.
Both Alvarado and Jimenez prioritize thoughtful, budget-conscious choices. Alvarado shops at places like Ross, Marshalls, Swarvarski and Dollar Tree, where you can find meaningful gifts at reasonable prices.
Valentine’s Day often carries emotional expectations too. The pressure to plan the perfect day or meet a partner’s ideal can overshadow the joy of simply being together. For Alvarado, the most important part of the day is spending time with his partner.
“My only expectation is being able to see her that day,” Alvarado said.
As Valentine’s Day approaches, it’s easy to get lost in the idea that love needs to be expressed through extravagant gifts or elaborate plans. But as Alvarado and Jimenez show, love doesn’t have to be measured by the price tag. It’s about the connection, the thoughtfulness, and the time spent together. Whether it’s a hug, a shared laugh, or even 1,200 roses, the value lies in the heart behind the gesture. In the end, Valentine’s Day is a reminder to appreciate the people who make our lives better not just with grand gifts, but with the simple, meaningful moments that truly make love worth celebrating.
