Highly overrated. Highly vexatious. Highly irrelevant holiday. Have one in mind yet? If not, then you, my dear reader, must fall into the bottomless pit of nobodies who find Valentine’s Day a romantic, meaningful holiday.

To you, the tradition of chocolates, teddy bears, and flowers is the utmost romantic gesture on the most magical day of the year. But to the rest of us, it has grown old and tiresome. Those like Stefan Bordieanu who are in support of this worthless holiday have some serious re-thinking to do.

Valentine’s Day entices us to waste money on materialistic items. Boyfriends show their love to their girlfriends by giving them a heart necklace to add to their collection of heart necklaces from previous Valentine’s Days, and elementary students exchange their one thousandth Fun Dip during their Valentine Party at school. Over and over, the same things are bought each year. And over and over, everyone expects the same things.

Whether it is from a family member or a significant other, there is not much room for creativity and originality with the items you buy. No one wants to spend a fortune on this holiday, so people can most likely expect the stereotypical box of fattening chocolates, or the stuffed animal that is actually not so stuffed. Why not save your money for something more useful?

At first glance, over-the-top dinners that include pricy steaks and a waiter with a French accent may seem to be everything, but little point exists in the concept. As Mr. Fuhrman would say, “Don’t be that guy.” There is no logic behind spending $300 plus on a meal that will disappear in the pit of your stomach and then in the toilet within two hours. Spend your money wisely. Save it up for something more useful. Or as Stefan suggests, find somewhere cheaper to eat. There is no shame in ordering from a local pizza shop or getting takeout Chinese. If you insist on a “special” dinner, taking the cheaper route is the best way to attempt to enjoy yourself.

While some may “ooh” and “ahh” at couples’ affectionate Instagram posts, I think it may be one of the worst parts that the holiday encompasses. It is heartwarming to see that love exists and people are happy. But even though Stefan admits he’s disgusted by PDA, his support of the holiday only encourages such behavior. The endless smooching pictures are too much, as we get enough of it in the halls at school!

Do we need a designated day to love people and shower them with gifts? Stepping back and taking a more rational look, the concept is odd. Why does society need to dedicate one day a year to romance? Why not express our affection every day, not through material gifts but through genuine words and actions? Of course, flowers, chocolate, and dinner cannot hurt every once in a while. But in those cases, make it special, surprising, and genuine. When it happens on a set day of the year, those things feel forced.

Valentine’s Day has few pros and abundant cons. The tradition has proven to be an insignificant holiday for your significant other. Stop the showering of kisses and chocolates on one day, and show your affection throughout the year.

On February 14th, couples of all ages get together and spend a special day in celebration of their relationship. This time-honored tradition has been integrated into our lives ever since we were in elementary school. Ice cream socials, Valentine’s Day cards, and rumors of crushes filled the air of elementary school hallways.

Yet some people, such as Josie Wadlow, do not support the celebration of Valentine’s Day, and admittedly there are some unenjoyable aspects of this holiday (especially if you are single). But, of course, the benefits outweigh the drawbacks.

Josie’s side may say that Valentine’s Day is a waste of money, a holiday focused on material joy such as chocolates or flowers. First of all, you don’t have to waste money on material gifts to celebrate the occasion. The best gift I ever received from someone was actually a handmade bracelet from my 6th grade “girlfriend” on February 14th. I absolutely loved the effort that she put into my gift, and it wasn’t that expensive for her to make.

So here’s a good tip for all you young lovers: If you want to surprise your significant other, make them something unique and from the heart. Chocolates and flowers aren’t your only options, and they’re probably not your best, either.

Josie’s constituency may also argue that couples are forced to go out to an extravagant dinner in compliance with the social norms of this holiday. But it’s no secret that food makes everyone happy, and you don’t have to break the bank to have a fun dinner date. One of my favorite phrases is “the best way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.” I believe I speak confidently on behalf of the majority of human beings by saying that just about any food-related excursion is an enjoyable endeavor. Ordering pizza from Monte Cellos can be just as fun as (and a lost more affordable than) dining at Off the Hook, especially if you are a teenager. Food is food, and extravagance is not a requirement.

Critics of Valentine’s Day may also gripe about the unwanted influx of sappy relationship posts and the obscene amount of PDA (public display of affection) witnessed on social media. To that I must say, Josie, you’re 100% right. 10-20 relationship Instagram posts in a row can get annoying, and I certainly do not like seeing couples making out in public. So Josie, I am sure that we can both agree that PDA and instagram posts are a bit too much.

Finally, pro-Josie supporters may say that the love shared on Valentine’s Day should be expressed every day. Please don’t do that. If you gave presents to your family members each day, then birthdays would mean little. The same is for Valentine’s Day. Valentine’s Day is a special day for couples, but not every day should be special. Showering your significant other with chocolates and kisses and love and hugs and fuzziness is not necessarily healthy for a relationship if done every day.

Sure, February 14th has its flaws. But this time-tested tradition will remain a significant holiday. In fact, I believe that this holiday is so important that school should be closed on February 14th. I am sure that Josie and I can both agree on that.