NAIROBI, Kenya- Let’s cut to the chase—Valentine’s Day has long been marketed as a holiday tailor-made for women.
The color scheme? A parade of pinks and reds. The gifts? Flowers, chocolates, and stuffed animals that seem to have an exclusive invite to the feminine wishlist.
And the messaging? It’s all about men stepping up to impress the women in their lives. But here’s the thing—love isn’t a one-way street, and Valentine’s Day shouldn’t be either.
Sure, some argue that the holiday is a chance for women to finally get the attention they crave, as some put it.
But should it really be so? If love is meant to be equal, shouldn’t the celebration be too?
The Forgotten Half: Where Do Men Fit In?
The perception that Valentine’s Day is for women might not be entirely baseless.
Studies show that women tend to buy more gifts for their partners and friends, while men, though spending more per gift, tend to purchase fewer items.
But does that mean men don’t want to be celebrated? Or have they just resigned themselves to playing the role of the giver rather than the receiver?
In fact, some men have responded by boycotting the holiday altogether.
Enter the so-called Men’s Conference, an annual February 14th event where men claim to gather in secrecy, conveniently avoiding the pressures (and expenses) of Valentine’s Day.
Whether these conferences are real or just a clever internet joke is up for debate, but the sentiment behind them is clear—many men feel sidelined on a day that’s supposed to celebrate love in all its forms.
One of my colleagues at Y News argues that men’s reluctance to embrace Valentine’s Day is more about perception than reality.
They believe that while men might shy away from traditional romantic gestures, many still appreciate being acknowledged—whether it’s a heartfelt note, a thoughtful gift, or just an unexpected act of kindness.
The Real Meaning of Valentine’s Day: Love for Everyone
At its core, Valentine’s Day isn’t about grand romantic gestures or who gets the most expensive gift.
It’s about celebrating love—romantic, platonic, familial, and even self-love.
St. Valentine himself was known for defying societal norms to bring people together, regardless of their circumstances.
If he were around today, he’d likely be baffled at how the day has turned into a marketing campaign targeting only half the population.
So, whether you’re single or in a relationship, male or female, maybe it’s time to reclaim Valentine’s Day for what it should be—a celebration of love, in all its forms.
And if you see a guy dodging dinner reservations with a Men’s Conference excuse, maybe just hand him an Arsenal jersey—or one from his favorite team.
He’ll appreciate the gesture and wear it with pride when heading out for a boys’ day to watch the game.
