Time to dump Valentine's Day? – SFU experts available

In Canada, the average person spends $100 to $150 on Valentine’s Day, trying to create the perfect date. But the exchange of gifts or the promise of a perfect day can create a lot of pressure and can be harmful to relationships. It can also be a tough day for single people, who may feel pressured to find a partner.

SFU’s Yuthika Girme argues that rather than focusing their efforts on Valentine’s Day, people can show love and appreciation in small, meaningful ways throughout the year. She also recommends expanding beyond romantic love, to show appreciation for friends, family, colleagues and pets.
 
YUTHIKA GIRME, professor, psychology
| ygirme@sfu.ca

GIFT GIVING ON VALENTINE’S DAY

Gift giving on Valentine’s Day is a ubiquitous and familiar behavior thought to build and foster connection relationships.
 
But what are the impacts, perceptions and motivations behind the giving and receiving of gifts and what role do they play in dating and relationships.

LARA AKNIN, associate professor, psychology
| lara_aknin@sfu.ca

CONTACT

JEFF HODSON, SFU Communications & Marketing 
jdhodson@sfu.ca

Simon Fraser University
Communications & Marketing |  SFU Media Experts Directory
778.782.3210

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