Valentine’s Day: Overdone or a Great Tradition?

February 14, in many places of the world, means candy, flowers, chocolate, and gifts; or in other words, Valentine’s Day. It’s hard to deny that a lot of money is spent on this day for our special loved one, but how much are we talking here?

Jessica Pearce Rotondi, Huff Post Women, reported that, “A 2011 survey by the market research firm BIGresearch, sponsored by the National Retail Federation, projected that Americans would spend a total of $3.4 billion dollars on Valentine’s Day dinner.”

“It’s crazy to think that that money can help so many people need,” said Sophomore Ronniece Portis. “I guess if it is to make someone feel special and happy, then it’s okay.”

“Not surprisingly, men will spend more than women, with the average guy shelling out $168.74 on gifts,” reported Patch Staff, EastAntlantaPatch. ‘Ladies spend an average $85.76.”

Alyson Shontell, Business Insider, reported that, “53 percent of women in America would dump their boyfriends if they did not get them anything for Valentine’s Day.”

“I find it crazy that some women would basically determine how much their boyfriend loves them from some type of gift,” said Senior Hannah Kahai.

There is an estimated one billion Valentine’s Day cards sent each year according to the Greeting Card Association.

“Seventy-five percent of chocolate purchases are made by men during the few days leading up to Valentine’s Day. During the year, women make 75 percent of all chocolate purchases,” reported Suzy Ravasio Chudzik, Woodridge Patch.

“Valentine’s Day is the ‘put up or shut up’ day for them. They don’t want to make a mistake,” says consumer psychologist Kit Yarrow.

“Valentine’s Day has gotten more and more commercial each year,” said Sophomore Jordan Smith. “It has turned into another ‘holiday’ being blown out of its true meaning to gain big businesses more money.”