It’s easy to write off people who hate Valentine’s Day as “bitter singles,” however that’s not the sole reason someone may not enjoy the holiday.

This year will be my second Valentine’s Day in a relationship, and honestly, I’m not looking forward to it.

In theory it’s supposed to be a day about love, but in practice it’s a day of mass consumerism and feelings of obligation.

People in relationships feel like it’s necessary to spend large sums of money on their significant other for lavish gifts and an expensive night out.

This financial burden is a real issue for many couples.

Couples have plenty of other days to express their love to each other. There are birthdays and anniversaries to be celebrated, and these days are more intimate and unique to that couple.

There is no social pressure on that day because you don’t feel like you’re competing with other couples to buy the best gifts and have the most expensive dinner.

Valentine’s Day also makes single people feel awful.

We’ve all had a few lonely Valentine’s Days, and that’s not great either.

The day is overhyped, and for many it stops being fun after elementary school when people no longer have to give cards to everyone in their class.

A solid relationship is not based on frivolous gifts or money.

It is based on two people who care about each other.

The whole holiday has become a money-grabbing opportunity for jewelers and upscale restaurants.

My suggestion for a good Valentine’s Day is to stay in and buy a few small gifts for each other such as candies and stuffed animals.

You may be surprised at how much nicer it can be.

As much as some of us may hate it, it doesn’t seem like Valentine’s Day is going anywhere anytime soon. But, you don’t need to feel the monetary obligations of the holiday.

Try talking to your partner and see what works best for you.

Don’t get me started on Sweetest Day, though.