V-Day Fails: The Cringiest thing about Valentine’s Day (Live from the Ovolo HQ!)
Ah, Valentine’s Day, a day of overpriced clichés, awkward proposals, and last-minute panic for men who “totally had a plan”. While some swoon at the sight of heart-shaped everything, others (like us) can’t help but cringe at the cheesy, overdone, and sometimes downright disastrous attempts to channel Cupid’s magic.
We asked our team at Ovolo Hotels HQ what they thought were the most cringe-worthy Valentine’s Day ideas, and let’s just say…they did not hold back. Here’s the ultimate list of “What NOT to do” this Valentine’s Day, straight from the people who run Ovolo, and who clearly have very strong opinions about February 14th.
1. Proposals: Just Don’t.
Thinking of using Valentine’s Day to pop the question? Stop right there. It’s predictable, overdone, and lacks originality. Plus, do you really want your engagement competing with everyone else’s on Instagram?
Pro Tip: Propose on a day that’s meaningful to you, not a day dripping in clichés.
2. “Every Day Is Valentine’s Day With You, Honey”
This line might sound sweet, but in reality it’s a lazy excuse for doing absolutely nothing. Sure, love should be celebrated daily, but skipping Valentine’s Day altogether is just asking for trouble, or a breakup.
Pro Tip: Even the smallest gesture beats nothing. A handwritten note or a simple dinner can go a long way.
3. Rose Petals – Just Like The Movies…
It might look romantic on the big screen, but in real life? Someone’s got to clean that sh*t up. Spoiler alert: it’s probably her.
4. Heart-Shaped Anything
Heart-shaped chocolates, heart-shaped pillows, heart-shaped…ANYTHING. If it’s shaped like a heart, it’s probably cringe. This is Valentine’s Day, not a craft fair. Keep it classy, my friend.
5. The Finance Team’s HOT Take on Valentine’s Day
When we asked our finance team for their thoughts, they didn’t even answer the question. Instead, they went on about how expensive everything is on V-Day. Classic finance…and we wonder why they’re single?
I guess what we got from that is: You don’t need to spend a fortune to make the day special. It’s the thought that counts…but don’t forget the thought part.
6. Staying at Home and Watching TV
Netflix and chill is great, on any other day. For Valentine’s Day? It’s just lazy. At least try to make it feel special.
7. The Entire Day Is Cringe (According to Some)
One bold team member declared that Valentine’s Day itself is the problem. “It’s a marketing ploy designed to sell overpriced flowers and chocolates”. While they might have a point, this opinion is probably best kept to yourself while talking to your partner.
8. Buying Your Girl a Handbag
“Handbags are not romantic, they’re practical. It’s like buying her a toaster – I can buy one myself” One of our teammates said…Harsh, but fair.
9. Men Can’t Plan
An unorganised Valentine’s Day is a disaster waiting to happen. No reservations, no gifts, no clue…it’s the stuff February 15th arguments are made of.
Pro Tip: Start planning early. A little effort goes a long way, even if it’s something simple.
10. Merging It with Another Occasion
Combining Valentine’s Day with a birthday or anniversary? Just don’t. It’s like saying, “You’re not worth two separate celebrations.”
11. Forgetting.
The big one. Forgetting Valentine’s Day is the ultimate EPIC FAIL. This one doesn’t even need an explanation.
Pro Tip: Put it in your calendar, set a reminder, do something. Just don’t forget it.
12. Matching Tattoos, Matching Anything
Nothing screams “this won’t age well” quite like matching tattoos. Whether it’s initials, hearts, or (heaven forbid) faces, it’s a recipe for regret. The same goes for matching outfits, cute in theory, but in practice? It’s just awkward.
13. Mixtapes
We love a good throwback as much as anyone, but mixtapes? Really? It’s 2025…streaming playlists exist, and they don’t require hours of awkward CD burning or cassette recording. A playlist might be thoughtful, but let’s leave the mixtape in the past where it belongs.
14. Singing
There’s a time and place for serenades, and it’s usually in a rom-com, not your living room. Whether it’s karaoke, a cheesy guitar ballad, or singing in public, this is a surefire way to make your partner wish for noise-cancelling headphones.
Final Thoughts: Plan, Don’t Panic
If there’s one lesson here, it’s that Valentine’s Day doesn’t need to be extravagant to avoid a cringe-fest. A little effort and thoughtfulness can go a long way. So, whether you’re a hopeless romantic or a Valentine’s skeptic, take our team’s advice: ditch the clichés, skip the rose-petal cleanup, and whatever you do… don’t forget the day.
Happy Valentine’s Day (or not). We still love you ❤