Dear Panel,

I do not celebrate Valentine's Day. I feel no need to. It seems phony to be made to express myself in a certain way on a designated day of the year.

It's a Cop Out

It is a cop out, to buy flowers and candy once a year in order to show someone you love them. There is no need for me to do that because I do a good job of showing my love every day of the year.

I'm telling you, I want to hear it on February 14th!

No one is going to tell me when I should say "I love you."

I Dread the Pressure

I dread it because I know you won't fulfill my expectations.

Valentine's Day is actually difficult for me. I feel a lot of pressure to go out and do something special. But that's the thing. How special can it be if it is expected, and there is pressure for it to be done. That feeling really puts me off of "celebrating" Valentine's Day.

Where I Come From It's Different

I am from England and maybe this is a cultural difference, but I always considered Valentine's Day to be for people who are looking for love. It's a day to send a card to a woman you would like to hook up with. Once you're married, you don't need to hook up!

My Family Never Celebrated Valentine's Day

But I grew up with family Valentine's traditions.

Growing up, my parents never celebrated Valentine's Day. However, they are a loving couple, married for over 37 years! I didn't grow up placing an important family value on this holiday.

I Show My Love Every Day

All that really matters to me is that my wife does know that I love her. And I believe she does. I show her every day of the year. I would much rather spend February 14th sitting on the couch, just being together, than living out some phony, commercialized expectations.

Does that make me cheap or unloving? I don't think so.

- Stephen

Male, age 32, Southern California