By Daniel Agusi
Valentine’s Day is one of the most anticipated celebrations each year, sparking conversations, expectations, and sometimes pressure. From the start of the new year, the buzz begins. Social media floods with posts about gifts, romantic getaways, and extravagant gestures. The phrase Will you be my Val? now carries an entirely different meaning from its original intent. But how did we get here? To understand this transformation, it is important to
go back to the roots of Valentine’s Day.
The Origin’s of Valentine’s Day
Valentine’s Day traces back to ancient Rome, where several legends attempt to explain its origins. The most popular one revolves around Saint Valentine, a priest who lived during the third century under Emperor Claudius II. The emperor had banned marriages for young men, believing that single soldiers made better warriors. Saint
Valentine defied this decree and secretly conducted weddings. When his actions were discovered, he was imprisoned and later executed on February 14. According to legend, before his death, he wrote a letter to a woman he cared for, signing it Your Valentine.
Over time, the day evolved into a celebration of love, becoming widely recognized in the Middle Ages. By the 18th century, exchanging handwritten notes became popular. In the 19thcentury, printed Valentine’s Day cards gained traction. Eventually, the commercialization of the holiday took over, making it a billion-dollar industry filled with chocolates, flowers, and jewelry.
The Shift: From Love to Pressure and Performance
Valentine’s Day was originally about expressing love and appreciation in personal, meaningful ways. However, the
modern world has turned it into something much more complex. Today, it is less about genuine connection and more about social validation. The pressure to show love through extravagant gifts and grand gestures has replaced the simplicity of heartfelt expressions.
Rethinking Valentine’s Day
Despite these misconceptions, Valentine’s Day does not have to lose its true essence. It can still be a time to celebrate love in all its forms, romantic, platonic, and self-love. Instead of following the pressures of society, people can choose to redefine the day in ways that are meaningful to them.
Valentine’s Day should not be about proving love through grand gestures or expensive gifts. It should be about
appreciating the people in our lives, whether through words, small acts of kindness, or simply spending quality time together. The phrase Will you be my Val? does not have to carry unnecessary weight. It can be a simple and genuine way of asking someone to share in the joy of the day, without pressure or expectation.
In the end, love is not about a single day of celebration. It is about how we treat each other every day. Whether one chooses to celebrate Valentine’s Day or not, the most important thing is to ensure that love is expressed in ways that truly matter. Now, I have a question to the RWMagazine family, WILL YOU BE MY VAL?
Social media plays a significant role in shaping this shift. Platforms are flooded with people showcasing their Valentine’s Day experiences, creating a silent competition. If a person’s Valentine’s Day does not meet a certain standard with expensive gifts, fancy dinners, or surprise trips then it can feel like a failure. Instead of focusing on love, many are caught up in performing for an audience.
The phrase Will you be my Val? now holds a completely different meaning. It has become a social status question rather than a genuine expression of affection. For some, being asked means validation, proving they are desirable. For others, the pressure to find a Valentine even if forced, has made the day more stressful than
enjoyable.
The Commercial Trap
The commercialization of Valentine’s Day has added to its transformation. Retailers push the idea that love must be measured by material things. Every year, brands introduce new ways to convince people that bigger is better. While there is nothing wrong with exchanging gifts, the expectation that love should be proven through spending has made Valentine’s Day more about consumerism than connection.
This pressure affects relationships as well. Some feel obligated to go above and beyond, while others feel inadequate if they cannot afford extravagant gifts. The holiday, which should be about celebrating love in its purest form, has instead become a financial burden for many.
