Ahead of Valentine’s Day, who are the main beneficiaries —women or men?

With Valentine’s around the corner, buying a gift or doing small things every single day creates a definition of love.

In most cases, society and the media sometimes reinforce this idea of portraying Valentine’s Day as a day when men must prove their love through grand gestures. 

Small details matter. 

Ladies prefer something sweet, something to show—like buying candy or flowers that shows an expression of love.

Valentine’s Day is traditionally seen as a celebration of love, romance, and appreciation between partners. 

However, a long-standing debate is whether the day is more focused on women or if men should receive equal attention. 

While many believe that women should be pampered with gifts and romantic gestures, others argue that men deserve the same level of appreciation. 

So we met at a coffee shop, both reaching for the last cup of coffee. She let me have it, but with one condition—a movie night and a date to debate the ending. 

That night turned into countless more, filled with laughter, kisses, and endless conversations. 

Five years later, we’re still arguing over that movie, still lost in each other’s eyes, still hopelessly in love. 

And that very coffee cup? It sits on our shelf like a quiet witness to our forever—never to be thrown away. 

Valentine comes from a Latin word meaning “strength,” but it is ultimately unclear how Valentine’s Day became associated with the tradition of exchanging affectionate gifts and love. 

It is mainly celebrated on the 14th of February, a holiday where lovers express their affection with greetings and gifts. 

Reports suggest that St. Valentine was known for rebelling against Emperor Claudius by performing Christian weddings and handing out parchment—”hearts”—as a reminder of the teaching of the love of God.

He is also believed to have delivered letters in secret to lovers separated by the system and was thrown in jail. Hence, the name Valentine’s Day.

Historically, Valentine’s Day has been associated with showering women with love, attention, and gifts. From heart-shaped chocolates to expensive jewelry. 

This tradition stems from cultural norms that place men in the role of providers, ensuring that their female partners feel loved and cherished.

Romantic movies, advertisements, and even social media posts often highlight women receiving flowers, gifts, and candlelit dinners, while men play the role of planners and gift-givers on this special day. 

Some argue that this is justified because women, in many cases, put significant effort into relationships throughout the year, and Valentine’s Day is a way for men to express gratitude and love.

While women are often the center of attention on Valentine’s Day, men are frequently left out of the celebration. 

This is because society places a strong emphasis on men being the ones to plan dates, buy gifts, and express their love through actions, but they do not always receive the same level of effort in return. 

Many men report feeling overlooked, as they do not receive thoughtful gifts or special gestures from their partners.

The idea that men do not need romance or emotional appreciation is outdated. Just like women, men also want to feel valued, loved, and appreciated in their relationships. 

Valentine’s Day should be an opportunity for both partners to celebrate each other equally. 

A romantic dinner, meaningful gift, or heartfelt note can go a long way in making men feel just as special as women do on this day.