Find it strange how people on here seem to have a largely negative reaction to valentine's but not to Christmas which virtually everyone celebrates. They are really exactly the same thing.
I'm not arsed about hijacking of religious festivals in relation to either because I'm not religious. I'm not arsed about the commercialisation of either because I don't feel compelled to buy a load of useless tat for either.
I do like to celebrate both though because to me Christmas is an opportunity to show your family they are loved and valentine's is an opportunity to show your partner the same. I don't think either should replace everyday love but an opportunity to celebrate beyond the everyday.
I don't do spending money unless something thoughtful costs money, which is not often. It's about getting the person something that is thoughtful hence dts got a £25 scooter for Xmas whereas ds got a £225 lego set at Christmas time and I've spent less than £10 on valentine's.
Got the bf a mug with something stupid and personal printed on it for valentine's. He's already had it. He liked it. I hope the thought I put into it is what made him feel loved because he can see I understand him and am thinking about him and what he is like.
I'm not particularly expecting anything but I do think when people don't celebrate things like this or they generally aren't good at showing their love or other feelings it can make you feel unloved even when you are loved. So I suppose my expectation is perhaps that bf might do something, whether it is anything from a cuddle to being whisked off away somewhere, that makes me feel like I am loved by him.
I suppose it is like the legal principle where justice has to be done but also be seen to be done. I think it's no good feeling you love someone unless you are expressing it to them and making them feel you do. Valentine's is an opportunity to do that for me.
Tis a new relationship though and I think these things matter more to you at the start when you're more likely to be insecure although I'm clearly quite romantic, (never thought I was at all) as I like to show love and like to celebrate things like this even when I've been with someone a long time.