Q&A for How to React when You Do Not Receive a Gift for Valentine's Day

Try to reflect on the good things you have in your life instead of feeling mad. You might plan a night out with friends, or just treat February 14th as a self-care day where you exercise, eat healthy food, spend some time outdoors, or do an activity that you really enjoy.

Be your own valentine! Buy yourself a box of chocolates, get that piece of jewelry you really want, or treat yourself to dinner with a friend.

Not everyone thinks gifts are the best way to express feelings. If it upsets you, talk to her about it. Maybe she isn't being sensitive enough, or you are being too sensitive.

Maybe -- probably mostly because he feels badly that he let you down and upset that you possibly see him as a less-than-perfect boyfriend now. Be careful how you phrase things: letting him know that you love him more than you could ever love anything he might give you materially but that one of your love languages is gifts could be a good way to begin the conversation.

This depends on how much the person means to you. If he truly has strong feelings for you he would not mind receiving any gift because in the end what he wants is you in his life.

Some people think that Valentine's Day isn't a big deal. I wouldn't worry unless there are other signs that something is wrong in the relationship.

At the least, it means he is not creative, or he's worried that you might not like something else he gives you.

Maybe just give her money or buy flowers or chocolates or something small, and maybe even write a card.

It sounds like your boyfriend's got a lot of Valentine's Day-related scars! If the day is important to you (which is totally valid!), it's worth sitting down with him and asking if he's comfortable celebrating with you, even in a small way. And keep in mind that you don't have to acknowledge the day in traditional ways: if he doesn't feel like going out for Valentine's Day or making a big deal out of things, maybe you can have a cozy evening in, cooking dinner together. Or maybe you can designate another date your own personal Valentine's Day, if he doesn't want to celebrate on February 14 (it'll be way easier to get a restaurant reservation then, anyway!).

Just as gifts shouldn't be given with the expectation of getting one in return, we should also receive gifts without feeling guilty for not giving one. Unfortunately, that's easier said than done! It's understandable that your boyfriend would feel guilt or shame at not getting you gifts in return, especially if the reason he doesn't is money-related, but if gift-giving is important to you, it's worth sitting down with him and asking where his guilt and shame come from. He may struggle with accepting gifts freely, or he may feel embarrassed if he doesn't have enough money to buy you gifts, and this may be something he needs to work on--or he may just ask that you give him fewer gifts.

If you haven't discussed the significance of Valentine's Day and anniversary celebrations with your partner, it's possible he isn't aware that you're disappointed. Try letting him know how much these days mean to you, and ask him if you could celebrate them in the future. Celebrating special days together is particularly important in long-distance relationships, when you don't get to see each other very often and might have a higher need for a display of commitment and affection.

There's a lot of pressure to give gifts on Valentine's Day, especially to the people who give you gifts. But remember, a real gift is given without expectation. And, to use a cliché, it's the thought that counts: even if you can't afford a gift for your friend, you can let them know how special they are to you in words or show how much you care by spending time with them, hugging them, and just generally being a good friend. You can also try your hand at making something for them, like cookies or a hand-made valentine!

Sorry you're in this situation! Valentine's Day is an odd holiday: for some people, it's super important, but for others, it's not especially significant. If you've been dating for 2 months, it's possible you both misunderstood each other's expectations for the day. It's totally valid to care about Valentine's Day and to be hurt that he didn't get you anything. It's likely that he just didn't realize Valentine's Day was important to you, and his not giving you a gift isn't necessarily a reflection of how he feels for you. Calmly let him know you were disappointed, and ask if he realized how special the day was for you. Ask him how he normally celebrates the day and if he considers it a big deal. If he cares about you and the relationship, he'll probably try to step it up for future Valentine's Days.

Talk to him about it. Be confident and understanding in case it is a sister or just a friend. Although, he needs to know you are his priority like he is to you.

This sounds like a lovely thing to do for your cousin. Make sure you are sensitive to her situation and try not to make it too much about Valentine's Day, as she might associate this with her husband.

Gifts are given with nothing in return. That's the very definition of a gift. If you're giving gifts expecting something in return, it sours your gift. Just give as many gifts as you like to anyone you like; if it bothers you that you don't get one in return, which is OK to feel, simply don't give that person another gift next time.

Your error is in expectations. You say your primary way to show your love is to give a gift; that's perfectly OK--for you. But it's neither the only way nor the best way for everybody else. Just because you do it that way doesn't mean he has to do it that way, too. After all, he feels gift giving is disingenuous, but still allows you to express it your way instead of expecting you to feel the same way he does. Of course, he likely hasn't thought it through this far, and he should know you well enough to know you like gifts and break his rule sometimes just because you do like it.

Maybe he just forgot or maybe he just doesn't find it a day worth observing. It's not essential but if it matters so much to you, talk to him about it.