Valentines Day ins and outs

Every Feb 14, stores turn red and pink, couples make dinner reservations weeks in advance, and Instagram stories fill with heart emojis in declaration to loved ones. But Valentine’s Day hasn’t always looked like this. 

The different ways people decide to celebrate Valentine’s Day in this decade reflects how society’s definition of love has changed over time—from secret ceremonies to public proposals, from handwritten letters to digital declarations. It is clear that Valentine’s Day now mirrors the culture of this generation.

The Origins and Rise of Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day began with religion at its center. The holiday is commonly associated with St. Valentine, a priest who, according to popular stories, secretly married couples despite a ban from the Roman emperor. By the Middle Ages, February 14 became a day filled with romance transformed by poetry, helping shape the idea of the day as one devoted to love.

By the 1800s, Americans began exchanging decorated cards, and entrepreneurs like Esther Howland turned handmade notes into a booming business. What started as personal and poetic slowly became mainstream and widespread, setting the foundation for the holiday we recognize today.

Proposals and Public Romance

Today, Valentine’s Day is often about visibility. Love is no longer just private, but often shared online as public appreciation. On social media platforms like Instagram, couples also decide to post themselves for validation and public engagement. 

The expectation of a diamond ring, after becoming more mainstream, helped shape the idea that love should come with a symbolic and often expensive gesture. Today’s proposals, from rooftop dinners to viral videos, reflect a culture that celebrates grand expressions and gestures.

Love Languages and Personal Expression

While public displays have grown, Valentine’s Day has also become more personal. The idea of “love languages” encouraged couples to think differently about how they express affection. Instead of focusing only on gifts, people may prioritize quality time, acts of service, or meaningful words.

This shift has changed expectations. For some, the perfect Valentine’s Day is a handwritten letter or a quiet night in. The holiday is less about following a script and more about understanding what makes a partner feel valued.

Valentine’s Day is no longer limited to romantic couples. “Galentine’s Day,” popularized by the TV show “Parks and Recreation,” celebrates friendship the day before Feb. 14. Many people now use the holiday to appreciate friends, family members, or even practice self-love.

In the end, Valentine’s Day tells a larger story about how society views relationships. From secret weddings to store-bought cards, from private love letters to public proposals, the holiday has evolved alongside us. How we celebrate love each February reveals not just who we care about, but how our culture defines connection.