Flowers and cards and gifts. (Courtesy).

Valentine’s Day, an annual to celebrate love is marked across the world with candy, flowers and gifts exchanged between loved ones, but in South Sudan, apart from social media posts, only a few actually get to celebrate the day.

Some young people in South Sudan say they choose not to celebrate Valentine’s Day due to how it “has been turned it into business.”

Speaking on Eye Radio’s Soundtrack Show on Tuesday, February 14, some young people said the gifts to be bought are so expensive as the country grapples with economic hardship.

According to them, this means they have not celebrated the lovers’ day.

“I don’t celebrate Valentine’s Day because of the conditions people have put around it,” said Sbir a regular caller of Eye Radio.

“Back in the day you could just wish someone a happy valentine and that could be enough but this day they want gifts on top of that they want costly gifts.”

He said Valentine’s Day has been twisted in a way that if you don’t have a job and you don’t have money, you cannot make someone feel loved.

“So I have resorted to canceling Valentine’s a lot of relationships got spoiled because of expectations from Valentine’s Day, and if you gift and you are not gifted back you might be angry it’s just a lot of issues.”

Bãlë Bãrtïnö Jr, an Eye Radio listener commented on the discussion and said: “Every day is Val’s day ❤…but with this economy of our region/ country South Sudan makes me not celebrate it as simple as that.”

Another listener said “Am not celebrating it because the dollar rate is high.”

The simple fact is, life requires money and couples argue about finances. Financial pressures can lead to catastrophic relationship issues when not addressed properly.

It’s wise to have a clear understanding with your partner about who’s responsible for what in terms of money.

A basic budget is simple to develop and can go a long way toward avoiding unnecessary arguments. For more tips, learn how to talk to your partner about money.