5 Valentine’s Day Pet Peeves
When does it cross the boundaries?
BY: JERELYN LEE
BREAD LOVER
All memes by Singaplex; Photo by Priscilla Du Preez on Unsplash
Copious amounts of chocolates, lavish gifts and rose bouquets, it’s that time of the year again- 14 February, AKA Valentine's Day. A day to celebrate and commemorate one's romance and love life (or lack thereof), for single Singaporeans, 14 February can also be seen as one’s arch nemesis- Single’s Awareness Day, a day in which our singlehood is made strongly apparent. On a day where there is no escaping varying displays and expressions of love, affection and endearment, here are 5 Valentine's Day pet peeves Singaporeans have.
5 Valentine’s Day Pet Peeves
Expensive bouquets of flowers paired with mushy handwritten or store bought cards, and candlelit dinner arrangements catered to couples in restaurants, these are some of the common things one can see come Valentine's Day. A sight for sore eyes for some singles who are spending this day alone, what gets on the nerves and irks Singaporeans who do not celebrate Valentine's Day, and those who prefer to celebrate it on a muted scale, privately with their partners at home?
Photo by Birgith Roosipuu on Unsplash
I: Wrong place, wrong timing
There's a time, place and occasion for everything. While office romances are a thing, and relationships that go past platonic are more widely accepted nowadays, embracing the spirit and cheer of Valentine's Day in the office is not cut out for everyone.
Be it the large bouquets of fresh flowers coming in via delivery from a co-worker’s significant other, or the balloon bouquets that risk going ‘pop’, celebrating Valentine’s in the office and workspace can be a source of distraction, and disrupt the workflow of business.
II: PDA in your face, all over social media
We get it- everyone enjoys posting cute selfies and photogenic photographs of their significant other on social media. Whether it is a means to flaunt one’s relationship status, the expensive gifts they have received and seek validation, or commemorate the memories made on a special day with their loved ones, Valentine's Day can be a force to be reckoned with, in view of the sheer number of posts on Facebook and Instagram etc. featuring Singaporeans openly sharing all the deets on how they have spent Valentine’s Day.
Don't get me wrong, I am not opposed to seeing my close friends live their best lives with their partners and significant others; to each of their own, but the best relationships are the ones left off social media.
III: Toxic relationships between on and off couples
Attempting to paint a picture-perfect image of a sweet, loving couple on Valentine’s Day, I have seen my fair share of couples who have ongoing relationship issues that need addressing, try to sweep things under the carpet and portray themselves to be in a steady relationship.
On a day that love is celebrated, I can’t quite help but find the contrast jarring, and ask myself, ‘Y tho?’
IV: “I need to buy something expensive for a Valentine’s Day gift”
“What should I get as a gift for her?” “Do you think he will like my gift?” “What if they don’t like what I got for them?” These are just some of the many questions that are raised before Valentine’s Day. I do not have an answer to any of these questions, but when it comes to getting a significant other a gift, what I do know is: It’s the thought that matters.
Swarovski jewellery, luxury bags or not, there is no shame and judgement in how an individual chooses to spend their money on buying a gift for their partner. Seeing the pressure society has placed on having to buy lavish gifts just to express one’s love though, is rather disheartening.
Photo by Nati Melnychuk on Unsplash
V: Envious singles out to spread negativity
Come Valentine’s, we are no strangers to Singaporean singles who just won’t stop talking, complaining and lamenting about how they will be spending the day alone. Regardless of whether they choose to talk about it verbally or post about their lonely statuses on social media, the ‘Negative Nancys’ of the lot, who claim to be happy and throw shade, put a sour note on Valentine’s Day.
Afterword: Spending Valentine's Day as a single
There are no hard rules when it comes to how Valentine’s Day should be spent. Don’t have a significant other to spend it with this Valentine’s? Well, 14 February is just like any other ordinary day. While it is a day to celebrate romance and love, it does not just have to be celebrated by those who are dating or in a relationship. It can be embraced, to appreciate and cherish the people around you, whom you have formed close, platonic relationships with.
Take the time off to hang out with your friends and family. If you’re spending the day alone, indulge in some ‘me time’. Loving yourself is as important as loving others.
JERELYN LEE | BREAD LOVER
Jerelyn Lee is an aspiring content creator, who is passionate about the Arts. An enthusiast in writing, drawing, photography and music, she is keen to capture and share moments, memories and life experiences.
While she is shy in nature, she is more than happy to talk about books, art, anime, music and the joys (woes, and lessons) in life.
