Contrary to the points brought up in this article, I don’t hate Valentine’s Day. In fact, I think showing love to your significant other is the most wholesome experience to exist on Earth.

But what I do hate is the commercialization of romance in general. Not to mention that every day should feel like Valentine’s Day with the right person.

To give some background on the romantic holiday, the day originated as a feast day for Saint Valentine, a Roman priest who was martyred. He was known as the patron saint of love because he did not allow polygamy and only blessed Christian marriages.

The initial idea of Valentine’s Day was to do something special for your loved ones, like what St. Valentine did by blessing marriages. This is a great idea because there is no better way of showing love and appreciation to someone other than giving them roses or chocolates.

However, my issue comes in when people go above and beyond for the holiday and expect everyone else to follow suit. Valentine’s Day has become too commercialized and too focused on buying.

Valentine’s Day is supposed to be a day of love and joy, but it feels more like a chore. People are expected to make some grandiose gesture of love towards their partner, which is expensive and unrealistic.

I know one might call me a cynic, but this is coming from the perspective of someone who actually has a Valentine. For people who don’t have a significant other, this day is just a reminder of how lonely they are. Unfortunately, this has led to suicide rates increasing on the holiday.

So, not only has Valentine’s Day been perverted into this machine of money that seems to be constantly printing cash, but because of the constant commercialization of Valentine’s Day, the feeling of loneliness lingers in those who are alone.

I know years before, when I was even more anti-Valentine’s Day than I am now, that I would have to delete all of my social media apps. At the time, I saw people posting happy pictures with their partners, but to me, it seemed like the algorithm was purposely showing me all this to make me sad.

But even with all of this aside, Valentine’s Day is an extravagant holiday to show how much you appreciate your partner, which is a good thing. But with the right partner, shouldn’t every day feel like Valentine’s Day?

I mean, you shouldn’t be expected to book a fancy restaurant you probably can’t afford every day, but you should make your partner feel as loved as they are on Valentine’s Day every day. Too much pressure on one day is reductive and just like an egg, it’s bound to crack.

Do I think we should get rid of Valentine’s Day? No, however, I believe societal norms surrounding it should change. One way to do this is by making the holiday less about the cost of your gifts and instead the thoughts behind them.

Everyone’s Valentine’s Day should be unique because everybody is unique. So, instead of taking your pookie to go eat an expensive steak at Sullivan’s Steakhouse, cook their favorite meal at home. Instead of buying them a box of chocolate hearts, make chocolate-dipped strawberries at home with them. Not only are you eating their favorite meal with them, or making them strawberries, but you’re also spending time with them on Valentine’s.

At the end of the day, it is the thought that counts. Sure, you might not be able to afford an expensive steakhouse, but I think time with your partner is worth more than any amount of money. Whether you love or hate the day, make your valentine feel appreciated, and remember to check up on those who may not have one this year and be there for them, too.

Andrew Sarhan is an 18-year-old mass communication freshman from Baton Rouge, La.