VALENTINE’S DAY: BEYOND THE PEPPER AND THE PRESSURE

Waking up to a Saturday morning with raindrops was not something I had envisaged. I expected the regular hot weather to continue; however, today came with its own surprise, leaving me wondering if something else was at play.

Stepping outside finally jolted me into the realization that the difference was Valentine’s Day—a day when people in relationships finally get to pepper “Singlets” like us. Still trying to wrap my head around it… because how can I truly understand it when I don’t have a man or any idea what it feels like to receive a Valentine’s gift?

Then I began to recollect the giggles, cackles, and endless phone calls from my roommate the night before, and it dawned on me: this thing is not child’s play. As if that wasn’t enough damage to my single status, my roommate’s boyfriend showed up bearing gifts, I mean: gifts that loudly announced. “Yes, we are dating.” At that moment, I was reminded that the only love I would be receiving that day would be the “awwwnnnn” from my roommate… and the warm embrace of my bed and pillow. Sad, innit?

While still pondering this whole Valentine’s drama you people are doing, I graciously decided to bring you up to speed on the true history behind it, not just the lovey-dovey activities that seem slightly unnecessary (I promise I am not jealous).

As amusing and overwhelming as Valentine’s Day celebrations may seem today, the day did not begin this way. Beyond the roses, pressure, and expectations lies a history many people rarely consider.

Historical records trace the origin of Valentine’s Day to Rome. It was named after Saint Valentine, a Christian priest and martyr who lived in the third century during the reign of Emperor Claudius II. He reportedly performed secret marriages for young couples despite the emperor’s ban—an act that eventually led to his arrest and execution.

Valentine’s Day is also linked to the Roman festival of Lupercalia and was later adopted by the Church. By the Middle Ages, it had become associated with romantic love, eventually evolving into the modern celebration marked by cards, chocolates, gifts, and affectionate messages.

Now that I have provided you all with free education, I stand in full solidarity with my fellow “Singlets.” (Na single we single, we no kill person). All the boyfriend-and-girlfriend display of affection are not all there is to Valentine’s Day. In fact, it is a day where true love—of all kinds—should be displayed.

True love goes beyond people who are dating. It includes friendships, family bonds, and genuine human connections. Please remove the misconception that once Valentine’s Day is mentioned, only images of couples, roses, chocolates, and “my love” messages should come to mind. Instead, think of simple ways to express love to that good friend or family member.

The truth is, love should not be expensive to prove. Yet, we have placed so much expectation on the day that it has become a competition between: who is the best giver and who is the best receiver; thereby drifting away from the original aim of the celebration. You can simply express affection and show love to the people around you through gifts, kind words, or small acts of care.

So, amid the different reactions; some excited about receiving gifts, others quietly wondering, “How I wan take receive gift like this?”: I reiterate that Valentine’s Day was never meant to be exclusively for couples. It is also a day to appreciate friends, family, and loved ones. In the end, Valentine’s Day is about love in all its forms, not just two people exchanging gifts.

So, instead of being the oppressor or the oppressed of love; do something different today by spreading love to everyone around you, because in reality, that is love in itself and the true purpose of Valentine.