You Spent HOW MUCH On Valentine’s Day?

KISS listener Honie posted something Facebook today that I thought was BRILLIANT.  "I know: Being single on Valentine's Day can suck.  But it's so much better than dating some idiot."  Can I get an amen fellow single ladies?! It's also much CHEAPER than being in a relationship!

For the past 12 years, someone at the National Retail Federation has made a living by tracking how much Americans spend on Valentine's day each year.  Although the number of people who actually celebrate my least favorite holiday ever is down, the amount the people who do celebrate it spend is up.  This year, American's are expected to spend an average of $142.  Actually men are expected to spend $190.54 vs the $96.58 women spend.

Maybe I'm just jaded because I truly can't stand the damn holiday, but doesn't that seem a bit extravagant for one day a year?  I'm all for chivalry, but I'd feel bad if I made a guy spend that much on me.  Last year, my ex and I did a Steelies hockey game and drank cheap Don Julio tequila that was on special.  He got me stemless wine glasses to replace the one glass I loved that my cat destroyed and I personalized a six-pack of his favorite craft beers.  That date didn't cost anywhere near $190.54 and it's been my most memorable Valentine's Day in the past 27 years.

So what say you? How much do you normally spend on Valentine's Day?