Anna Baynham
MC301 Contributor
On February 14th, love will fill the air and couples around the globe will count the many ways of why they love their significant other.
Convenience stores shelves are filled with teddy bears, roses, and chocolate covered treats as Jackson State University students will join the millions of other shoppers vying to show their significant others how much they love and care for.
A big question that often comes up when Valentine’s Day approaches is: Should men be the givers or receivers of gifts on Valentine’s Day? And if so, what is it that you get them?
Evan Thomas, a senior marketing major from Kansas City, Mo., said, “Valentine’s Day is special to me and my boyfriend because it happens to be our anniversary. It is always so difficult finding him a gift because he is such a great boyfriend and he is so much more deserving than any materialistic thing I could ever get him.”
Some men feel, however, that Valentine’s Day is the one holiday of the year dedicated specifically to women. Traditionally, men were the givers on this holiday never the receivers. According to ABC News, 71.7% of people believe that males are supposed to pay for dinner. With tradition comes change, males of today’s society are now expecting gifts in return on this day of love and gift giving.
Erron Monroe, a junior social science major from Jackson, Miss., said, “Valentine’s Day is a day to show your significant other, or someone who is very special in your life, how much you appreciate the love that you both share. I would not say it is a female holiday, but most of the focus does go to women that day.”
Figuring out what to give a man for Valentine’s Day is a hassle for many women. Since men are not complicated, gifts such as a home cooked meal, jewelry, or clothing would be typical gifts men receive as gifts. According to sheknows.com and gifts.com the top ten Valentine’s Day gifts for males to receive are:
1. Leather wallet
2. Cologne
3. Watch
4. Flat screen televisions
5. Messenger bag
6. Leather shaving kit
7. Beats by Dre
8. Sports tickets
9. Slippers
Like other couples on campus, Tyron Steele, a senior accounting major, from New Orleans, La., plans to spend Valentine’s Day with his girlfriend, Tira Erwing. He said, “I am spending Valentine’s Day with my girlfriend over a romantic candle light dinner with her favorite meal and chocolate covered strawberries.”
Although it may be too late to make a dinner reservation at a restaurant, it is never too late to get a special gift and make a romantic homemade dinner for two. According to the Huffington Post, on average six million couples are likely to get engaged on Valentine’s Day. Love is what Valentine’s Day is about. Instead of viewing Valentine’s Day as another way retail stores get people to spend unnecessary money on gifts, see it as another day to show your love and affection to those that you love and cherish.
Whether you have been shot by Cupid, or spending this Valentine’s Day alone, take the time out to tell someone you love them.
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