Renita Minors thinks Valentine’s Day is “a waste of time”, Elisa Fox and her family can’t get enough of it; meanwhile expectant mom Rachel Plumridge confessed she’s sometimes pressured into celebrating the annual love-in. Lifestyle took to the streets to find out what residents thought about the annual observance that takes place Sunday. Millions of people around the world will spend billions of dollars on flowers, candy, cards, restaurant dinners and assorted gifts — all in the name of love

Andrew Simpson believes the spirit of Valentine’s Day should be put into practice every day.

“I confess though, that I don’t do it every day, but that is how my wife should be treated,” said the 36-year-old who married his wife Melissa six years ago. “We should do it every day but we don’t because we’re too busy being a husband, being a father, balancing work. It’s unfortunate that it’s only celebrated once a year.”

Malika Taylor agreed that it wasn’t always possible to show those you love how much you care for them.

“Valentine’s Day makes for a nice annual reminder of your love for each other,” the 40-year-old said. “My husband Ryan and I have been married ten years and we have two children. We will be having a nice dinner with the kids at the Gastropub at the Fairmont Southampton.”

Others didn’t believe that going out to dinner or showering loved ones with gifts, flowers or candy was necessary.

“You show your love on a daily basis,” said David Johnston, 46, who has been married to Phaedra for 24 years.

“It starts in the way you communicate with someone. If you love someone they should feel it by the way you talk with them and show them respect. I don’t think there should be a special holiday for that.”

Rachael Plumridge, 33, said she was ambivalent towards Valentine’s Day but felt pressured to celebrate it with her partner of four years.

“I am expecting my first baby in a few weeks,” she said. “Sometimes I feel a lot of pressure to do something special, but this year we’ll be going to the movies.”

Vincent Rabain was in the camp that believed Cupid’s spirit should reign 365 days of the year.

“Yes, Valentine’s Day is something special, but that spirit should be carried all year around,” he said.

Elisa Fox is one of the celebration’s diehard fans. She recognises Valentine’s Day by connecting with family and friends each year.

“We join together and share,” the 35-year-old said. “We buy chocolate and wine and have fun. I am originally from the Dominican Republic and we celebrate there with chocolate and flowers, just like we do here.”

Margaret Giloth, 61, said she and her husband Michael were forgoing the Valentine’s Day crowds this year in favour of a quiet night in.

“I think love should be celebrated every day,” she said. “We don’t know how long we have together, so every day should be special. We usually have a blast together. It is the time together that is important versus being out with other people, scrambling to get to the table. Unfortunately, Valentine’s Day has gone very commercial, so I thought we’d do our own thing.”

Others we spoke with said they despised Valentine’s Day and all that it stands for.

“I don’t celebrate Valentine’s Day at all,” said Renita Minors, 42. “I think it is a waste of time and I have never celebrated it.”

“It’s just a giant money-grab,” said Chad Stoddard, 41.

Oliver Simmons, 70, said on Valentine’s Day he planned to do what he does every day, nothing in particular.

“I am retired and divorced,” he said. “I don’t celebrate Valentine’s Day. I do what I want to do now and eat what I want to eat and talk to who I want to talk to.”