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    Categories: Toronto

The other V-Day: Why Toronto guys kind of hate Valentine’s Day

Do guys hate Valentine’s Day? OK, it depends on the guy. Some do, but for the most part, it’s safe to say guys just don’t understand the point of a day dedicated to “romance” (read: expensive gifts and unrealistic date expecations), and some just can’t stand it.

But why? Don’t guys want to celebrate their love, make their loved one feel special, do something romantic? If he is in love, the answer is: Yes. However, guys still don’t necessarily like the idea of Valentine’s Day. And here’s why.

The Obligation

Men are obliged to submit to this holiday and all the expectations that come with it, whether he wants to or not. If he chooses not to, there will be problems – guaranteed.

The Date

Men are required to come up with a romantic and original date night idea. Whether it’s something conventional or unconventional, he still is required to have a plan that will not disappoint. The disappointment factor is majorly intimidating to guys, and it’s frankly pretty tough to come up with an amazing idea every year.

The Presents

Men have to get their lover a present. There is no way around this. Whether he buys roses, chocolate, jewelry, lingerie, or a cute teddy bear holding a heart, it has to be. This is where the problem lies. Do commodities really represent love? Also, guys hate shopping for this kind of thing.

The Comparison

Inevitably, if a man doesn’t measure up to his love’s expectations, problems arise. And, when it comes to Valentine’s Day plans, men inevitably get compared with other men, whether that’s an ex, a friend’s boyfriend, or even a movie character. It’s ridiculous and men hate it.

The Commercialization

Some men are born romantics, other are hopeless at romance. Regardless of which type of man you are, or which type you’ve got, Valentine’s Day shouldn’t be turned into a day of commodity. This commercialization turns any romantic gesture into a transaction, as opposed to a representation of the love and affection a man feels for his lover. Shouldn’t romance be a spontaneous act of love, rather that a requirement involving purchased goods?

The Money

Expanding on the idea of commercialization, the resulting price tag attached to Valentine’s Day gets pretty ridiculous. While money might not be an issue for some couples, it is a source of anxiety for others. There is a significant cost to the usual expectations. This can be really stressful for guys. A man may have the best intentions and impress his love, but it shouldn’t break the bank.

Valentine’s Day may be a wonderful day to celebrate love and romance, or it could be something your man dreads. How do you feel about Valentine’s Day? Should men buck up and spoil their lovers on this day, or has “V-Day” gotten out of hand?

Erin Cardone: Born on the Prairies, Erin Cardone grew up knowing there was more to life than canola fields and AAA Alberta Angus. So she escaped, living in Europe and Australia, white-knuckling it through plates of calf brains and raw horse meat, and learning languages she can't remember anymore. After a stint as a jaded, skeptical journalist, she changed tack and began writing rather awesome blogs and showing businesses that advertising is dead, so long live social media, with her businesses Legendary Social Media. She now splits her time between various Canadian cities, Costa Rica and wherever else the wind blows.
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