Spectator by Seema Goswami: No roses, just romance

Had enough of Valentine’s Day cliches? How about honouring real love, every day, with a million little gestures that matter?

Valentine’s Day is behind us and it is safe to come out from hiding without being bombarded by offers to buy roses, send chocolates, make dinner reservations, book a mini-break, or propose marriage to your significant other. It is has now become de rigueur to complain about the ‘commercialisation’ of Valentine’s Day – and I do, in fact, complain about that – but what annoys me most about the V Day ad blitz is that I don’t really recognise the version of ‘romance’ that is being sold to us. Not only is it needlessly performative, it also doesn’t resemble anyone’s lived reality.

Valentine’s Day has commercialised the idea of romance. In reality, it’s all about showing you care. (ADOBE STOCK)

Love is about the small gestures, such as making your partner a cup of coffee when they wake up. (ADOBE STOCK)

Surprise your partner as often as you can. Bring them croissants for Sunday morning breakfast. (ADOBE STOCK)