“He loves me, he loves me not…” Valentine’s Day is for all of the hopeless romantics and the love-struck optimists out there. Every year, the anticipation grows for this single day where every head-over-heels couple can proclaim their mad love for each other. While this is tooth rotting sweet, it seems to be more and more based on the materialistic qualities in life. This is focused less on the intangible characteristics about the person that makes an individual can’t live without them.

“He loves me…” When walking down the hallways of Dreyfoos on Cupid’s favorite day of the year, the scent of fresh strawberries and sugary chocolate floats down the halls. You can hear squeals of excitement come from surprised girls as their significant other holds out a massive bear with hearts on it. There is absolutely nothing wrong with this. The gestures of cheap perfume and soon to be wilted roses are very heartwarming, but not at all practical. It is now an expectation to buy your loved one a heart shaped pillow or a box of their favorite candies. How genuine is this? Would it mean more to that special someone if they were gifted like this on a random Tuesday?

“He loves me not…” On Valentine’s Day, individuals are all hoping for something that reassures them how special and loved they are. If the exchange of presents were to stop, a major part of what Valentine’s Day has become would be lost. In today’s society, the media is constantly probing at the idea of items representing ones love for someone. By expressing your ones love in a priceless way, a couple can flourish from not the economic benefits of the relationship but the true passion that is felt in the relationship itself.

“He loves me?” Of course, it is always grand to receive a gift from your significant other but it is also amazing to still feel like you are loved by someone even when you don’t have every heart shaped cookie in Publix. Every day should be Valentine’s Day for a couple. A label on this day doesn’t make it any more special than that random Tuesday. When Valentine’s Day comes, pinks and reds are draped over every person in sight and nauseating sweet perfumes will suffocate anyone who dares to walk by. However, even with the materialistic quality surrounding Valentine’s Day each year, receiving a thoughtful present from your love is not a crime. This day celebrates love, no matter who you are or what you have done. More days should be dedicated to love and getting caught up in the person and not what the person has. It is truly an incredible moment when you can say, “They love me.”