Too much pressure
This one day in February is enough to send the calmest couple into a panic. Patrick, 26, from Scotland says, ‘I feel that society forces us to act on Valentine’s Day, and if we don’t, we’ll be in the doghouse’. Meanwhile, some set their expectations so high that they’re left feeling disappointed. Others prefer to respond by keeping it personal – home-made meals for two and little acts of love that show you care, but in your own way.

Singleton sadness?
But what if you’re not in a relationship? ‘It makes people without partners feel awful,’ says Richard, 23, from Oxford, ‘a more low key affair would affect such individuals a lot less’. Whereas John doesn’t mind: ‘When I had a boyfriend, it was never about what others thought. Now I’m single, it’s the same. The day is a reminder that I’m a single. And I love that. I love being single. And you know, it’s still possible to be romantic without being in a relationship.’

Be my anti-Valentine?
The backlash against the day is gathering force. London-based web blogger, Meg Pickard, decided to set up a website that lets people to send free anti-valentine cards. Thousands of people sent cards from her site with messages such as, ‘Single is good’. But she insists she’s not anti-love, ‘I’m against any big companies telling us how and when it’s appropriate to celebrate being in love’.

Finally, there’s Dom, 30, who says: ‘I think its worth a lot more if a romantic gesture is given on any other of the 364 days of the year’.

Louise
February 2007

Glossary:
Price hike – steep and sudden price increase
Singletons – single people
Backlash – a strong reaction against something
Fleece - to cheat someone into giving up money or property
Doghouse – to be in disgrace and very unpopular. Having to go outside in the dogs kennel.

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