Why I Love Love But Not Valentine’s Day
The holiday tends to negatively impact women more than men
Whether you have a romantic partner or not and whether you like it or not, Valentine’s Day is one of those days you’re forced to pay attention to because it we’ve been sold the idea that it proves just how loved you are — or aren’t.
Romantically loved, that is.
Usually singles — well, single women — are bombarded with suggestions on how to “survive” the day by themselves, as if it’s some sort of a disease. Honestly, no one has died by being alone or unpartnered on Valentine’s Day. No one — although ongoing social isolation and loneliness can heighten the risk of dying. Just not one day.
Over time, more people have come to almost dread the day. A 2020 study by the dating website Plenty of Fish found that 43 percent of the singles surveyed believed it to be the most pressure-filled holiday, with 41 percent feeling like they have to act like V-Day is meaningful. Interestingly, 60 percent of Gen Z and 52 percent of Millennials feel more pressured than older singles (the wisdom of aging? Perhaps.). And guess who were more likely to be excited about the holiday, men or women? Men. Studies indicate men tend to be more romantic than women.
