The average American spends over $100 trying to understand the real motive for the holiday of love and its hidden agenda.

Everyone knows hallmark created the concept of birthdays to sell cards. Through the same tactic, other large businesses like 1-800 Flowers and Necco have exploited Valentine’s Day.

The iconic “Sweetheart” candies were created by the candy company Necco. They produce over 100,000 sugar hearts, 11 months in advance, to meet the high demand of Valentine’s Day. Every year, 1-800-Flowers gets a whopping 1 million new customers on Valentine’s Day. Over 144 million people send one of the 1,400 Valentine’s Day designed hallmark cards to a loved one.

“Every day has to be about love,” Cafeteria Assistant Maricela Rivera said. “Unfortunately, Valentine’s Day is a waste of money.”

American society has glorified Valentine’s day to the point where if you don’t give, you don’t love. Subsequently, bringing young children to believe giving presents is how you show affection.

Having a holiday drifted towards love and gifts makes teenagers compelled to get a boyfriend or girlfriend. Ultimately, this leaves a whole generation feeling lonely and broke trying to become a part of the Valentine’s Day trend.

The day of love for romantics may seem valid and vital. For many couples, it is a day to appreciate one another and show their love. However, people feel this way because they have been brainwashed by the unofficial rules of love created by multi-million dollar companies.

“It puts pressure our generation to find someone to like and it puts stress on people because it’s super commercialized,” freshman Rose Chevere said. “They’re putting a label on love.”

Genuine love can be shown everyday through compassion, rather than once a year with a stuffed bear and candy with hearts carved into it.