By Tessa Larcher
With the approach of Valentine’s Day, many people tend to experience dating pressure. It ranges from the burden of finding the perfect gift, the perfect place to go, to the anxiety of finding a Valentine’s date for those who are single.
While it can be a stressful day for single people, others would see that as an economic convenience.
“I will avoid all that pressure of making plans for sure, also I won’t spend anything and save money compared to previous years when I wasn’t single,” said Joe Scully, 25, a restaurant manager in Hammersmith.
“It’s usually a busy day in the restaurant where I’m working, I can see how most of the men are stressed and sweating, especially when it’s time to pay the dinner bill. This year, I’m free from this stress, so I will just observe the stressed ones to be entertained.”
Unnecessary stress
Whether people can be single or in a relationship, V-Day obligations can create unnecessary stress that comes from social pressure to pull off the perfect Valentine’s Day. This toxic positivity can eventually create unrealistic expectations, leading to dissatisfaction.
“It’s like media make us believe that we have to do it, we are already recovering financially from January after the festivities. They just want to encourage us to get spendy,” declared Cathy Michelin, 49, a receptionist living in Milton Keynes.
“We are not obligated to succumb to the pressure. Happiness and love can be celebrated any day of the year anyway, but unfortunately, they make us believe that we can only express love materially. When people will realise it they will understand why they are always unsatisfied in their life.”
Depressive thoughts
V-day can also trigger depressive thoughts, as many people compare themselves to others on social media. Some would feel like they are surrounded by the happiest people on earth, living their best life. Then, they feel trapped in these social media feeds where people only show the best version of themselves instead of their reality.
All of these can generate depression and anxiety, as some people would think their life is boring, making people believe they are unworthy of love.
Corentine C., 20, a biology student living in Paris, said: “Even though we know social media can be an illusion, it still impacts us. I feel like we always need to prove that we are happy. Honestly, I have never celebrated Valentine’s Day in my life, but every time I go on Instagram that day, it would make me question myself as if was normal for being single or not dating,”
The young woman is an example of what many people could feel because of the toxic positivity of social media during Valentine’s Day, and even in general in life basis.
She continued: “Sometimes I feel sad, but I don’t want to feel unworthy at all. If Valentine’s day is about celebrating love, so it can be any type of love then. It can be with a family member or a best friend for example, or even self-love. It would be better to celebrate it that way.”
Happy Galentine’s!
If you are single this year, don’t fret. Go out with mates and have an evening to remember. Galentine’s Day – celebrating with your girlfriends – or Palentine’s Day – celebrating with your pals, or mates – can be a lot of fun. Go out on the town this Monday and have a great time!
Excellent piece ! Personally I can relate, V-day I a really nightmare when you’re single, because even though you know it’s all about illusions and business, it’s still really annoying to feel like there’s something wrong about you not being able to celebrate it !