It is understood the yearly tradition started in Rome, in 496AD.

While it clearly has its place in modern society, it's not everyone's cup of tea.

I am strongly opposed to Valentine's Day and if I'm being honest, I think it's pretty stupid. 

Why on earth do we need a holiday to show our partner that we love them? Shouldn't you just show them every day? 

I'm not opposed to Valentine's Day because I'm single and bitter - I'm happily engaged, I'm opposed to it because I think it's a cash grab. Restaurants put on special Valentine's Day deals, which are always quite pricey and not really a 'deal' at all, and florists bump up the prices of flowers and weird stuffed teddy bears by exorbitant amounts. 

Personally I'd prefer my fiance wash my car for me than buy me flowers. It's something I've been putting off for a very long time, and something I have been hinting at him to do for even longer. 

The Commonwealth Bank revealed that in 2017, Australians spent more than $23 million on Valentine’s Day, with the average man spending $94 on flowers and dinners for their significant other. It all feels a bit like forced fun to me. Why not go for dinner or buy your lady flowers next week? It'll probably save you a few bucks and she'll still feel loved and appreciated.

I’m all for Valentine’s Day.

Hear me out.

For most of my adult life, I have been single, or in relationships with people who don’t do Valentine’s Day.

The day itself would heighten lingering feelings of bitterness or inadequacy. I wasn’t happy for my friends who were going on dates with their life partners that night - selfishly, I was sad for myself.

Today, for the first time on February 14, I walked to my car before work and found a rose on the windscreen, with a card attached to it, and an invitation to dinner.

It didn’t cost the earth. But it did make me feel cared for, respected and appreciated.

My message this Valentine’s Day - if you’re fortunate enough to love and be loved, then do something small to show it.