Valentine's Day is known as the day of love for most people. Those in a relationship spend the day finding new ways to profess their love and show the world what they are feeling. For those who are single, this day is nothing but another way for people to shove their relationships in people’s faces and feel even worse. Usually, these are the people who think that celebrating Valentine’s Day is more tacky than sweet and romantic.

To be fair, Valentine’s Day has gotten commercialized over the years, as a lot of people opt towards generic flowers and cards from the local grocery stores as a cheap cop-out, rather than genuine gifts. Regardless, it is still an important holiday for many, especially for those in love. These differences in opinion may be a result of relationship status, but they may also be the result of people’s specific personality traits, expressed through MBTI types. Let us know what you think!

Poll Results: The Take on Valentine's Day Across Personality Types

In an effort to better understand the perspectives of our diverse Boo community, we posed the question, "Do you think celebrating Valentine’s Day is tacky?" The results were insightful, demonstrating a wide array of views on the topic. The figures you see represent the percentage of respondents from each personality type who answered 'Yes' to the question.

• ESTP - 74
• ISTP - 72
• INTP - 67
• ENTJ - 62
• ESTJ - 61
• INTJ - 60
• ENTP - 57
• ISTJ - 52
• ISFP - 44
• INFJ - 43
• INFP - 39
• ESFP - 33
• ENFJ - 27
• ISFJ - 26
• ESFJ - 26
• ENFP - 25

Diving into the results, a clear pattern emerges between the thinking and feeling types. Thinking personalities were more likely to look down on Valentine’s Day celebrations, with 52–74% saying the holiday is tacky. Among these more pragmatic types, ESTP and ISTP lead the pack at 74% and 72%, respectively. It appears these realistic, adaptable types might be less swayed by the idealistic notions associated with Valentine's Day.

In contrast, Feeling types were less likely to say Valentine’s Day is tacky, with percentages ranging from 25–44%. This could suggest a more favorable view of Valentine's Day within these groups, possibly seeing it as an opportunity to express their emotional depth.

It's worth noting that these results highlight the diversity in our community, reminding us that there is no 'one-size-fits-all' approach to celebrating love, much like our approach to connecting people at Boo. If you’d like to partake in our next poll, follow our Instagram @bootheapp.

The History and Significance of Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day is more than just a commercial holiday. Its roots reach back to ancient times. But somewhere along the way, it seems that the true essence of this holiday got lost in translation. Today, we're left wondering, why do we celebrate Valentine's Day at all?

Why do we celebrate Valentine's Day?

The origins of Valentine's Day trace back to the ancient Roman festival of Lupercalia, which was held in mid-February and celebrated fertility. Later, the Christian Church transformed it into St. Valentine's Day to honor the martyr Saint Valentine. Over time, this day morphed into a celebration of romantic love.

Fast forward to today, Valentine’s Day is celebrated with grandeur across the globe. A surge of Valentine's Day celebrations with roses, chocolates, candlelit dinners, and greeting cards have become the norm. But these celebrations often seem to be more about putting on a show than truly expressing deep feelings of love.

Is Valentine's Day really for everyone?

Not everyone feels comfortable with the usual fanfare associated with Valentine's Day. There's a growing sentiment that we should question how Valentine's Day is celebrated.

This feeling arises because the current ways to celebrate Valentine's Day often seem like they're designed for extroverted, outwardly romantic personalities. But what about those who yearn for deeper connections? For introverted, intuitive personalities, these common practices may feel too commercial, too shallow, too forced – out of sync with their ideals of love and connection.

In response to these trends, many have chosen to step away from traditional Valentine's Day celebrations. They critique the pressure the day places on individuals to showcase their affection in particular ways.

For some, Valentine's Day can also lead to feelings of exclusion or disappointment. Not everyone is in a romantic relationship, and even those who are may not have their expectations met.

To celebrate Valentine's Day in a way that is authentic to you, you must first redefine what the day means to you personally. Who says it needs to be about extravagant gifts or fancy dinners? Could it be about self-love, deep conversations, or shared experiences?

There are so many ways to celebrate Valentine's Day that align with the values of introverted and intuitive types. Here are some alternative ideas:

Celebrating self-love

• Take the day to indulge in activities that you love. Read a book, take a walk in nature, or spend some time meditating.
• Treat yourself to your favorite meal, or better yet, cook it yourself.
• Write a love letter to yourself, expressing appreciation for the person you've become.

Intimate celebrations

• Opt for a quiet, intimate dinner at home instead of a bustling restaurant.
• Gift your partner a book that has had a profound impact on you.
• Engage in an activity that you both enjoy. It could be as simple as watching a classic movie, playing a board game, or painting together.

Alternative Valentine's Day

• Spend the day volunteering for a cause you care about.
• Arrange a get-together with friends or family, celebrating the love you share with them.
• Practice gratitude by writing down things you love about your life.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I celebrate Valentine's Day if I'm single?

Being single on Valentine's Day doesn't mean you can't celebrate. It's a perfect opportunity to practice self-love. Treat yourself to something special, engage in activities that make you happy, or spend the day with loved ones.

What are some non-traditional Valentine's Day ideas?

Non-traditional ideas can include celebrating self-love, engaging in shared activities, or volunteering for a cause you're passionate about. You could also write a love letter to a close friend or family member expressing gratitude for their presence in your life.

How can I express my love without spending too much on Valentine's Day?

The best expressions of love come from the heart, not the wallet. Write a heartfelt letter, create a homemade gift, or cook a favorite meal. It's the thought and effort that count, not the price tag.

Why is there pressure to celebrate Valentine's Day?

The pressure often stems from societal expectations and commercial interests. But remember, how you choose to celebrate Valentine's Day (or not) is entirely up to you.

Is it okay not to celebrate Valentine's Day?

Absolutely! It's essential to do what feels right for you. If that means not participating in traditional Valentine's Day celebrations, that's perfectly fine.

Redefining Love: A New Perspective on Valentine’s Day

The essence of Valentine's Day isn't in the roses, chocolates, or fancy dinners. It's in the heart-to-heart connections, the shared laughter, the warm hugs, the genuine "I love you". It's time to reclaim Valentine's Day and make it your own.

Whether you choose to indulge in self-care, plan an intimate celebration, or express love for friends and family, remember to make it authentic. After all, the best celebrations of love are those that truly resonate with our hearts.

How will you choose to celebrate love this Valentine's Day? Come and tell us in the Valentine's Day Universe!