Locals Look at Other Options for Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day is big business for the card companies, restaurants, candy shops and florists, according to some.

The holiday has felt a sort of blacklash within the past several years, with critics citing its encouragement of commercialism and ostentatious romanticism.

According to the National Confectioners Association, approximately “36 million heart-shaped boxes of chocolate will be sold for Valentine’s Day,” and the Greeting Card Association says that “an estimated 160 million greeting cards” will be purchased for the big day.

Regardless, many local residents still take a different approach to celebrate, or reflect, on Feb. 14 expectations.

To mark Valentine’s Day, Carolyn Rivera, 25, of East Meadow, said that she will be going out with her friends to “celebrate the enjoyment of not being attached to anyone.”

“It will be just as much fun going out with my friends as it would be going out with a boyfriend, if not more,” she added.

“I think Valentine’s Day is often a waste of money,” Rivera continued. “Restaurants are crowded and packed. I think if you are in a relationship you should spend the day with each other enjoying each other’s company instead of buying into the corporations ploy to get you to spend money.”

Emily Ackerman, an graduate, echoed the same sentiment, saying, “going out to dinner is absolutely ridiculous and you have to wait an hour to sit down at a table crowded by a million other people.” She and her boyfriend will be cooking dinner together on Valentine’s Day “like it is a normal day."

“I think maybe the first year it is ok, but I think once you are together over a few years, what’s the big deal? You know you already love each other,” she said. “It’s overkill.”

East Meadow resident Jamie Tyler said that people should show their loved ones that they care everyday -- not just on a specific holiday. She explained that if she were in a relationship, she would rather give or receive something homemade because “the little things mean a lot.”

“I mean, honestly I am indifferent towards a lot of it. It is a nice, cute holiday but I think it is a Hallmark holiday that going over the top for it. It is a waste in my opinion,” said Tyler, adding that she can see that many of her friends “in relationships have that added pressure of what to get.”

“It’s really just another day,” Rivera added. “If you are attached, great. If not, it’s not a big deal.”

Looking to have a laugh with other singles on February 14? Check out the in Bellmore for the Valentine’s Day Singles Comedy show with Chris Monty. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $20, with a two beverage drink minimum per person at a table.

For singles looking for something fun to do after Valentine’s Day, in East Meadow will be holding a Long Island Singles Speed Dating session on Saturday starting at 8 p.m. A great way to meet several people at once, this event is for males ages 30 to 43 and females ages 29 to 41.

What are you doing for Valentine's Day? Tell us in the comments.