For single people, Valentine’s Day is a burning reminder that they don’t have “that special someone” in their lives. It’s a terrible feeling, which is why so many people are against celebrating Valentine’s Day. But single people can choose to ignore it. However, if you’re in a relationship, the last thing you want to do is ignore Valentine’s Day.

What may have started out as a holiday intended to bring couples together has turned into a commercial spectacle peddled to us by greeting card companies, florists, chocolatiers, and many others. According to Fundivo, Americans spent  more than 19 billion in 2016 on Valentine’s Day goods, averaging $147 per person.

The problem I have with Valentine’s Day is not being romantic or expressing your love, but with the  requirement to do so on February 14th. This date has no real significance to love, but each year on Feb. 14th, couples are in essence commanded to be “romantic”. I understand that Valentine’s Day’s purpose is to bring couples closer together, and it’s a lovely sentiment, but let’s be real. How many of you have had fights on Valentine’s Day because of Valentine’s Day?

It’s not difficult to imagine a situation in which one partner didn’t buy a nice enough present or put in enough time planning a special activity for the other, largely because it happens a lot. It’s not uncommon for the one partner to be disgusted by how much effort the other put into it, either. Instead of letting affectionate moments come as they will, Valentine’s Day puts an immense amount of pressure on couples to behave like they’re in the perfect relationship, often breaking pairs that aren’t comfortable enough with each other.

Why program couples into thinking that Feb. 14th is the only day they can express their feelings for one another? Instead of focusing on being romantic on one day, dissolve the holiday and let love return to its natural state.