On February 14, millions of other Americans were expected to spend more than $13 billion on Valentine's Day gifts like flowers, cards, and candy. That’s big bucks that also add up to a lot of stress, which some people handled a lot better than others.
Some say “Happy Valentine's Day” and hustle around the mall. Others call it Single Awareness Day.
Either way people were out in full force giving up their sweat and dollars just to showcase their love. Known as the day of romance, Valentines Day and its traditions go back as early as the first century. It began as a Christian holiday to honor the life of Saint Valentinus. According to legend, he was imprisoned for helping Christians and eventually martyred for his faith. But Valentinus sent out one of the first love letters from prison and signed it, “From your Valentine.”
It's now become a day for romantics to express their feelings through flowers, candy or what are now known as Valentine cards. But it's also become a multi-billion dollar business and the source of angst for some.
“I thought it was going to be kind of hard but I spent $9.75,” said Diane Byker, who was shopping for her husband. “I think he's going to love it.”
Meanwhile others were just scratching their heads. “Sometimes it kind of frustrating I would say,” said Wesley Flowers, who was Valentine’s shopping. “You don't know what they are thinking or they what they may want. They always say well surprise me; we are not mind readers.”
With so many choices out there for Valentine’s Day, finding that special gift for your loved one meant you definitely had to do your homework. That’s a reason the Alaskan matchmaking service Meet Me For Lunch is turning that stress into something positive. It is urging its daters to donate clothes to the homeless.
“Valentines Day can be stressful though if you don't have a Valentine or even if you do,” said dating coach Mary Marshall. “It doesn't matter if you’re in love or not, you come down here and bring something and drop it off, it makes everybody happy.”
It's a unique way of giving, whether you're single or dating. Because, after all, love is all about taking a chance, no matter what day of the year. The average woman is expected to spend $85.76, while the average man almost doubles that shelling out a $168.74.
