What used to be a day spent between two people has now become a media day for extravagant gifts between significant others.

This type of advertisement and media field day is one of the biggest reasons why Valentine’s Day is a day dreaded among many people.

This year, the National Retail Federation (NRF) anticipates the average American will spend $142, which is an $8 increase from last year.

This number is ridiculous and does not measure the ammount of love.

An increase in sales this year follows a pattern of flashier and more expensive Valentine’s Days, according to the NRF.

Equating Valentine’s Day with a day to give gifts and prove love for someone, which is clearly more popular among people living in the United States, undermines the true meaning of the holiday.

This meaning is the idea that love of all kinds should be celebrated.

According to consumer science specialist James Mourey, Valentine’s Day is a tradition that dates back 1,000 years. But the appearance of cards didn’t occur until 200 years ago. Gift giving wasn’t an extensive phenomena until 50 years ago when the industry expanded with the beginnings of commercialization.

People 1,000 years ago knew what the true spirit of the holiday was. Valentine’s Day should not be about how much money is spent, but the amount of love for another, whether that be a friend, a family member or a significant other.

Students should return to the traditions of 1,000 years ago and spend Valentine’s Day not trying to flaunt their love, but enjoying the company of people.