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Don't let the hype ruin your holiday.Whether you're taken ...
leading up to Valentine's Day, many couples scramble to plan a socially-acceptable show of their affection
and end up experiencing anxiety and disappointment due to their unrealistic expectations, says Toni Coleman, a licensed psychotherapist and relationship expert.
A self-proclaimed gentleman, C.J. Harries, Wichita junior, has never been in a relationship on Valentine's Day but says there's truth to Coleman's statement. "Relationships should be about mutual desire and respect, but men are expected to put on a performance," Harries says.
Coleman says that holding this Hallmark holiday at such a high level of importance isn't healthy for any relationship. "When you love someone, you love them all the time and not just extra special because it's Valentine's Day," Nicole Arnold,
Louisburg freshman. Arnold says she thinks it's more important for couples to focus on having fun and enjoying each other's company rather than trivial concerns such as how much money is spent.
Though local jewelry stores usually see an increase in sales around Valentine's Day, spending a lot of money isn't always the key to an enjoyable evening. Rich Yeakel, co-owner of Mark's Jewelers, 817 Massachusetts St., suggests that couples on a budget go to the grocery store together, cook a nice meal and just hang out. The perfect evening can be as simple as picking up a new release from the video store (preferably not one resembling The Notebook) and snuggling up on the couch as your roommates gag at your cuteness.
"I think people get a bit too caught up in the spectacle," Harries says. "Once you let yourself get concerned with fancy plans and big gifts, people forget it's about showing your affection, not showing off your wallet."
Gifts to avoid giving your Valentine
*Weight Watchers membership
*He's Just Not That Into You
*Any stuffed animal that talks or sings when you press a plastic heart to its chest
*A gift card to McDonald's
*A poke on Facebook
*A DVD set of Murder She Wrote
*Leftover Halloween candy
*A copy of Sex For Dummies
*An STI
according to thefrisky.com
Bad romance: Don't let the Valentine's Day hype ruin your relationship. Flowers and candy may seem like a good gift, but materialism on February 14 isn't the way to go. Do something unique for your sweetie, and show them how special they are all the time, not just one day out of the year.
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