/ Modified feb 14, 2024 3:54 p.m.

Gift-giving stress threatens Valentine's Day bliss

Why some people put too much emphasis on striking the night tone.

Valentine Candy Chocolates in a heart-shaped box
Pixabay

The gift-giving aspect of Valentine’s Day can lead to a lot of stress over the loving holiday.

University of Arizona psychologist Diego Guevara Beltran explains worries about choosing an inappropriate gift can lead to an awkward outcome.

“When you are on the receiving end and you just met someone, they may offer you some grand gesture or they may be overly eager verbally or with a huge gift," he said. "So you feel like, 'what’s going on, what’s the catch?' ”

Guevara Beltran studies factors affecting empathy and well-being. He notes social pressure to create the right impression creates stress for those hunting for the proper gift, during Valentine’s Day and other gift-giving holidays on the calendar.

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