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We all know about the 14th of February, when we all go to the store to buy a card, candy and flowers for our sweethearts, and celebrate love with them with a hug, a thoughtful walk, or a nice dinner. From the surface, it all seems very nice, and really a nice day in the abyss that is February.

However when you really think about it, Valentine's Day is just another chance for candy companies and card companies to sneak some money out of our wallets. Just think how many millions of cards, chocolates, and flowers must be bought on that one single day. The amount of money that must be made has got to be quite the boost for these companies; therefore, Valentine's Day joins the ranks of Christmas, and the mother of all consumerist holidays, Halloween, as another chance to spend money on candy, among other things.

Almost everyone in America and other countries around the world celebrate this holiday in one way or another, whether it's a party at the office, candy grams at school, special flavors of sodas or candies, or just a simple dinner date. And the fact that it isn't considered a religious holiday anymore only adds to the overall appeal. It's a great opportunity to finally ask out that guy/girl you've got a crush on or propose to a long time girlfriend, but it is also a prime chance to make some money on the sales of the gifts that people buy for the ones that they may love or just be infatuated with.

Sure when the holiday was starting, it was sincere, but then again, there weren't enormous greedy corporations looking to make a quick buck off anything, even something as sacred as love itself. I personally would still like to believe that a day that focuses on something like love could remain untouched, however, I have to open my eyes and see this "holiday" for what it really is. Hopefully after reading this you will give a little more thought to that ten-dollar box of French truffles you bought for your girlfriend and maybe consider a hug, kiss, or even making dinner instead. In the end it really is the thought that counts anyway, not the amount of zeroes at the end of your receipt.

Learn more about this author, Shakeil Greeley.
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