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Key TakeawaysSpending for Valentine’s Day is expected to reach 26 billion dollars this year.Rising inflation and increased costs add to the stress of buying Valentine’s Day gifts.Shared experiences and heartfelt gestures can create a bonding experience and an intimate connection.

Key Takeaways

Spending for Valentine’s Day is expected to reach 26 billion dollars this year.Rising inflation and increased costs add to the stress of buying Valentine’s Day gifts.Shared experiences and heartfelt gestures can create a bonding experience and an intimate connection.

About 52% of Americans say they plan on celebrating Valentine’s Day this year.For many, commemorating this day of love and romance comes at a significant financial cost. In 2022, more than $4 billion dollars was spent on a romantic evening out, with candy and flowers also being popular gifts.

Spending to celebrate Valentine’s Day is expected to reach 26 billion dollars this year. That figure is up 2 billion dollars from last year.

Expectations can run high on February 14, as people tend to see expensive gifts as a symbol that their love is true. Those expectations can lead to pressure to spend more. And withinflationhikes of over 6% in the last 12 months, spending may be the last thing some people want to do.“Inflation is adding stress to everyone, requiring people to make hard choices as to how they’re going to cut down on spending. This makes us feel deprived. Valentine’s Day exacerbates this pressure because people are afraid that if they don’t give their partner an expensive gift or take them to an expensive restaurant, [then] they will lose their love,” explainsCarole Lieberman, MD, an author and psychiatrist in Beverly Hills.

Instead of allowing thatstressto negatively impact your mental health, you might consider getting creative this Valentine’s Day. Plus, it’s like the Beatles said: “Cause I don’t care too much for money, money can’t buy me love”.

A less expensive, more personal, gift will certainly help your wallet. But it will also help create a more intimate bond between you and your partner. We take a look at theimpact financial stress can have on relationships, and share ideas for more cost-effective but no less romantic Valentine’s Day gift ideas.

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Financial Stress, Mental Health, and Relationships

Research shows that there is a link between dealing with financial stress and mental health issues. In fact, 46% of people who are struggling withdebt also have mental health challenges. Of those who have mental health issues, almost 90% say stress about finances makes things worse. Depression, anxiety, inability to sleep, and fatigue can all be a result of financial stress.

The stress not only impacts you; it takes its toll on your relationship.

“Financial problems are the third leading cause of stress in relationships. Financial stress generally creates overall dissatisfaction as we become increasingly more sensitive to the cost of things (needs or wants) and the awareness of how we are not able to meet those needs. This fear-based thinking for many feels like the only reality at the moment and can prevent them from seeing alternative solutions,” notes Kiana Shelton, Licensed Clinical Social Worker atMindpath Health.

Kiana Shelton, LCSWFinancial problems are the third leading cause of stress in relationships.

Kiana Shelton, LCSW

Financial problems are the third leading cause of stress in relationships.

Open communication about finances, realistic expectations, and creating a budget that you can stick to are great ways to combat financial stress in a relationship. Those actions can be implemented on a regular basis, and particularly when it comes to Valentine’s Day.

“Consider finding more personalized or individualized ways to show your lovefor your partner, things that would not be as quantifiable in monetary terms but rather would be emotionally impactful and resonant with your partner or date,” advisesJD Friedman, PsyD, Clinical Psychologist, Baker Street Behavioral Health.

Financial Stress: How to Cope

Creative Ways to Say Happy Valentine’s Day

Going for a hike or a picnic in a park filled with gorgeous nature views are two great ways to celebrate a day of romance. A handmade card or a poem that you take the time and effort to write can even do more for your relationship than dropping a lot of cash at a local restaurant.

“Bonding occurs when people connect. Connection happens through touch or shared experiences,” explains Charde’ Hollins, Licensed Therapist, Clinical Social Worker, and CEO ofRelevant Connections.

“Centering the heart over a dollar doesn’t mean cheesy or cheap. Presentation is everything! The smallest gesture coupled with an already subscribed music app, a free handwritten letter, an hour of quality time, and year-round respect for one another will always prove more valuable than any price tag,” she adds.

JD Friedman, PsyDConsider finding more personalized or individualized ways to show your love for your partner, things that would not be as quantifiable in monetary terms but rather would be emotionally impactful and resonant with your partner or date

JD Friedman, PsyD

Consider finding more personalized or individualized ways to show your love for your partner, things that would not be as quantifiable in monetary terms but rather would be emotionally impactful and resonant with your partner or date

Sharing a unique experience, like aGame Nightmarathon or gazing at the stars at night, can create special memories. If you want a gift to remember the occasion, try a thrift store challenge, where you both have a certain amount of time to find a gift under ten dollars. You can come up with something wacky and fun!

The key to an enjoyable Valentine’s Day is to express what’s in your heart, without stressing your mind—or your wallet.

What This Means For YouWhen budgets are tight, getting creative can turn a stressful time into an enjoyable, thoughtful, bonding experience. This Valentine’s Day, show that it’s less about the money and truly the thought that counts. Your purse strings, and your mental health, will thank you for it.

What This Means For You

When budgets are tight, getting creative can turn a stressful time into an enjoyable, thoughtful, bonding experience. This Valentine’s Day, show that it’s less about the money and truly the thought that counts. Your purse strings, and your mental health, will thank you for it.

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5 Sources

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

Statista.Total Expected Valentine’s Day Spending in the United States from 2009 to 2023.

Statista.Will You Celebrate Valentine’s Day This Year?.

US Bureau of Labor Statistics.Consumer Price Index.

Enrich.Data Shows Strong Link Between Financial Wellness and Mental Health.

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