Study finds majority of Valentine’s Day candy purchased by people trying to ‘be their own Valentine’

Valentine’s Day is a big day for millions around the globe. While some are making last minute reservations and trying to think of what gift they can get their special someone for under $20 at a convenience store, others are making a point of not needing others by being alone.

Now, it seems that Valentine’s Day is just as much a celebration of love as a celeration of a lack thereof. A recent study covering millions of individuals spanning multiple countries has found that while flowers are still king for couples, most chocolate is actually purchased by single people trying to “be their own Valentine.”

The Slug Report spoke to a woman scoping out the fancier section of a Walgreens candy aisle.

“I’m sorry, but could you please leave me alone and keep it down a little? The old lady buying her grandson a birthday card doesn’t need to know I’m debating whether I’ll eat 30 pieces of Ferrero Rochet or 20 Lindor truffles tonight,” she said.

Though Hallmark movies, commercials and everyone’s social media feed may imply that celebrating Valentine’s Day on one’s own is depressing, this is not the end-all be-all. In fact, some people would actively prefer to be alone. Such is the case with 36-year-old Mark Radick.

“All I want to do on Valentine’s Day is get done with work and pick up a box of chocolates, a heart-shaped pizza and a bottle of wine. I’ve been doing it since my first year of college,” explained Radick. “I’ve had some girlfriends over the years, but frankly, they couldn’t hang. I don’t want to see someone eat two pieces of pizza and two pieces of chocolate when I know damn well I’m going for all of both. I mean, it’s a holiday for chrissakes.”

Radick may be onto something. At least in the United States, couples spend an average of roughly $190 per person each Valentine’s Day. Radick’s plan, on the other hand, costs about a tight $35.

So while couples are posting cute photos of themselves sharing one of the most expensive bottles of wine Outback Steakhouse offers, single people should rest assured that they’re at least not proudly celebrating the Saint Valentine’s Day Massacre of 1929.

Photo courtesy of Stewart Butterfield via Wikimedia