Valentine's Day is upon us. Local florists have been up since the crack of dawn preparing orders, and the town's finest restaurants are booked out.
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It is understood the yearly tradition started in Rome, in 496AD.
While it clearly has its place in modern society, it's not everyone's cup of tea.
Debate over Valentine's Day: stupid or sweet?
Madeline: AGAINST
I am strongly opposed to Valentine's Day and if I'm being honest, I think it's pretty stupid.
Why on earth do we need a holiday to show our partner that we love them? Shouldn't you just show them every day?
I'm not opposed to Valentine's Day because I'm single and bitter - I'm happily engaged, I'm opposed to it because I think it's a cash grab. Restaurants put on special Valentine's Day deals, which are always quite pricey and not really a 'deal' at all, and florists bump up the prices of flowers and weird stuffed teddy bears by exorbitant amounts.
Personally I'd prefer my fiance wash my car for me than buy me flowers. It's something I've been putting off for a very long time, and something I have been hinting at him to do for even longer.
The Commonwealth Bank revealed that in 2017, Australians spent more than $23 million on Valentines Day, with the average man spending $94 on flowers and dinners for their significant other. It all feels a bit like forced fun to me. Why not go for dinner or buy your lady flowers next week? It'll probably save you a few bucks and she'll still feel loved and appreciated.
Rebecca: FOR
Im all for Valentines Day.
Hear me out.
For most of my adult life, I have been single, or in relationships with people who dont do Valentines Day.
The day itself would heighten lingering feelings of bitterness or inadequacy. I wasnt happy for my friends who were going on dates with their life partners that night - selfishly, I was sad for myself.
Last year, for the first time on February 14, I walked to my car before work and found a rose on the windscreen, with a card attached to it, and an invitation to dinner.
It didnt cost the earth. But it did make me feel cared for, respected and appreciated.
My message this Valentines Day - if youre fortunate enough to love and be loved, then do something small to show it.
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