Valentine’s Day didn’t start as a shopping holiday. It became one. Somewhere along the way, care turned into a performance and opting out started to feel like failure. This piece explores how obligation replaced intention — and what it can look like to celebrate love without overconsumption.
Love Is Care, Not Consumption
Every February, love gets loud. We’re told what counts, what to buy, and how to prove we care. But love that only shows up as a transaction isn’t built to last. This piece is about choosing care you can keep showing up for — the kind that fits into real life, lasts beyond Valentine’s Day, and doesn’t depend on consumption to feel real.