I'm not really a fan of Valentine's Day. I think it can be
I'm not really a fan of Valentine's Day. I think it can be romantic doing nothing on Valentine's Day. It's more romantic than being given a big bunch of flowers that everyone else is doing.
Hear the quiet but piercing words of Gabriella Wilde, who said: “I’m not really a fan of Valentine’s Day. I think it can be romantic doing nothing on Valentine’s Day. It’s more romantic than being given a big bunch of flowers that everyone else is doing.” In this saying lies a wisdom that rises above the noise of crowds and the rituals of custom. She reminds us that love, when it is true, does not need performance or spectacle, but finds its strength in intimacy, in stillness, and in the refusal to measure affection by imitation.
The origin of this thought is rooted in the human weariness of conformity. Valentine’s Day, though clothed in hearts and roses, often becomes a parade of sameness: flowers bought because others are buying, dinners reserved because it is expected, gifts exchanged because the calendar demands it. Wilde unmasks this illusion, declaring that authentic romance is not born from ritual repetition, but from sincerity. To sit together, to share silence, to rejoice in simply being present—this is more sacred than roses purchased in haste.
History itself bears witness to such truth. Consider the love of Anton Chekhov and Olga Knipper, whose bond endured across long distances and many separations. Their affection was not proven by grand public displays, but by quiet letters, filled with honesty, humor, and longing. Each word, written in solitude, carried more weight than flowers offered for show. Their love, like Wilde’s vision, shows us that the greatest romance is often found in simplicity, in gestures unseen by the world.
The ancients, too, spoke of this. Did not the Stoics warn against empty ritual and call for inner truth? Did not the poets remind us that love is proven not in the festivals, but in the ordinary days—the daily bread shared, the quiet companionship in the turning of seasons? The Greeks spoke of eros as passion, but also of philia, the steady bond of companionship. Wilde’s words echo this: that the essence of romance is not in grand displays, but in the constant presence of the beloved.
Yet her declaration is also a challenge. For many measure love by what can be seen: the flowers, the jewels, the dinners, the posts for the world to admire. But Wilde turns the eye inward, teaching us that
Nnoname
I appreciate Gabriella Wilde’s take on Valentine’s Day. It’s interesting how she emphasizes that sometimes the most romantic gesture is to simply be present and do nothing. It challenges the expectation that we need to buy expensive gifts to show love. Could this shift in perspective be what we need to make Valentine’s Day more meaningful, or do you think it’s still important to have those traditional celebrations?
ANanh nguyen
Gabriella Wilde’s view on Valentine’s Day is really refreshing. Instead of buying into the commercial side of the holiday, she suggests that sometimes, doing nothing together can be the most romantic thing. I agree that it can be more meaningful to have a quiet moment rather than following the trend of buying flowers. What do you think – is the idea of romantic simplicity more appealing than the pressure to impress on this day?
TTNguyen Thi Thuan
Gabriella Wilde’s comment really challenges the commercialization of Valentine’s Day. It’s so easy to fall into the trap of buying flowers and following the crowd, but she suggests that doing nothing could be even more romantic. I think it speaks to the idea that true romance isn’t about material gifts but about creating meaningful, personal experiences. Do you think we’ve lost sight of what romance truly is by following these traditional patterns?
NTnguyen toan
Gabriella Wilde’s perspective is definitely thought-provoking. It makes me wonder if the pressure to buy flowers and gifts on Valentine’s Day actually takes away from what the holiday could be. Maybe it’s not about doing what everyone else does, but rather about creating personal moments that feel special. Would you agree that sometimes, not doing anything and simply enjoying each other’s company can be a deeper expression of love?
TTTran Thanh Trung
I love Gabriella Wilde’s take on Valentine’s Day. She points out something that many people miss – sometimes, the most meaningful moments happen when we’re not following the usual expectations. The idea of doing nothing as a romantic gesture is refreshing, and it challenges the idea that romance must always come with grand gestures. Do you think this minimalist approach could make Valentine’s Day more genuine, or does it miss the point of celebration?