The Gift of Love

Both men and women want to make sure their significant others will remember February 14.
To do that, shopping for the perfect gift for that perfect someone can become an emotionally stressful task for anyone who wants to ensure their husband, wife, girlfriend or boyfriend knows how much they are loved on Valentine’s Day.
According to a poll by Match.com, a popular on-line dating website, 85 percent of the women surveyed said Valentine’s Day is much more important to them than it is for men while only 14 percent said the Hallmark holiday is equally significant for both sexes.
“Valentines Day is a day for the ladies, but it doesn’t mean women shouldn’t acknowledge their (male) companion either,” said Digohn Felton, a sophomore biology major from Convent. “A male wants to be shown affection just as ladies expect to receive (it).”
Surprisingly, research shows although women consider Valentine’s Day important, they tend to spend less on their mates.
According to the National Retail Federation, men paid, on average, $158 or more for gifts they purchased while women only spent $36 or less on gifts for their significant others.
“I believe the reason why males spend more on this day is because if the female doesn’t receive anything, she wonders about the true feelings of her companion,” said Rahsheda Perine, an assistant professor in the Southern University Psychology Department.
Perine said a male knows he has to do something spectacular to show his mate the affection she is expecting to receive on the holiday.
“I don’t have any expectations for Valentine’s Day,” she said. “But long as (you) call or acknowledge that you took the time out of the day to tell me those special words-that’s the only gift I need.”
So what are some of the most popular gifts given on Valentine’s Day?
According to a poll by prweb.com, 37 percent of the men surveyed said they have given lingerie as a gift on Valentine’s Day to 48 percent of the women who said they have received lingerie as a gift.
For those who weren’t shopping at stores like Victoria’s Secret, 33 percent of men said they plan on sending flowers to someone at work on that day.
According to the Society of American Florists, men give 62 percent of the flowers sold for Valentine’s Day with 80 percent of the bouquets going to a significant other as a sign of their affection.
“I’m tired of the tradition-flowers and candy,” said Kimberly Hill, a freshman nursing major at Baton Rouge Community College.
Sentiments some of the men at Southern agree with.
“Giving flowers is good, but sometimes you have to change it up,” said Kylon Wishom, a senior business management major from Lutcher. “Being that I just broke up with my girlfriend, I don’t look forward to Valentine’s Day, but if I was involved I would.”
Whether or not a person decides to purchase their mate a bouquet of roses or treat them to an expensive dinner, Hill said the love shown on Valentine’s Day should be something displayed year round.
“The media portrays Valentine’s Day as the only day to express your love,” Hill said. “When in actuality Valentine’s Day should be everyday in any relationship.”