Ah, Valentine’s Day! It’s supposed to be the most romantic day of the year. And for many people, it potentially is. However, it would be naive to think that everyone feels happiness, love, and passion on February 14. Far from it! Rejection is something that doesn’t take any time off, and it can sting even more than usual when it happens on this day. Nor do all your dreams come true when you like someone very much.
Our team at Bored Panda is featuring some of the most hilarious and tragic Valentine’s Day fails that have ever happened to anyone. These pics might not make your heart skip a beat, but they’ll likely hit you right in your meow-meow. Scroll down for a good dose of laughter through tears, a bit of secondhand sadness, and a reminder that even the best-laid plans can go awry.
Bored Panda wanted to learn how we can all handle rejection better, as well as how to show our partners that we appreciate them throughout the year, not just on Valentine's Day. We got in touch with Glenn Geher, Ph.D., who was kind enough to answer our questions. Dr. Geher is a professor of psychology at the State University of New York at New Paltz and a published author.
#1 It Was You All Along
Image credits: colmflynnire
"Rejection and failure are famously part of life in the broadest sense. The most successful among us—in any sphere—including the sphere of relationships—have had more than their share of failures. In fact, recent research by my research team (led by my student Maya Kardas) has found a positive statistical relationship between the number of failures that one perceives in their life with the number of successes—thus supporting the age-old adage that the more one fails, ultimately, the more one succeeds," Dr. Geher explained to Bored Panda in an email.
"Applied to relationships, this trend is straightforward: Don't expect every relationship to work out. Don't expect everything you do in a relationship to land well. Don't expect every intimate partner in your life to be 'the one.' Odds are that things won't work out that way. That said, don't give up on yourself—accept that failure and rejection are part of the process. Never give up. And you'll find the right one for you—you'll get there. Perhaps when you least expect it."
#2 Broke Up On Valentine's Day But The Outcome Will Shock You
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#3 She Left Me For Another Woman On Valentines Day
Image credits: JAdamsidk123
Dr. Geher also opened up about the small ways in which we can show our significant others that we appreciate them. It's something to keep in mind no matter what day it is. After all, you don't need the calendar to show February 14 to be romantic!
"My wife Shannon and I, both on our second marriages and both all the wiser, are all about showing each other love in ways that are both big and small. This morning, Shannon made me a coffee in a travel mug, got me a Gatorade, and placed all of this and a photo of us from a memorable trip in my car as a surprise for my drive to work," he shared.
"She and I write poetry for each other regularly. We write songs for each other. We create for each other. And there are few things that are as romantic and loving as sharing creativity. This point is backed by an exhaustive amount of research."
#4 The Ice Cream Cake I Ordered For Valentine’s Day Said “I Love You” But Some Of The Letters Fell Off During Transit
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#5 I Sculpted This Weird And Obese Giraffe For Valentines Day
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#6 I Hope He Secretly Has Something Planned
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You can do all these things regardless of what your budget is like. According to Dr. Geher, you don't have to buy a bouquet of expensive flowers and get a table at an over-priced restaurant to show your partner love. "Try sending a bouquet of sunflowers along with fresh bagels and cream cheese from the grocery store to your love when they least expect it. Maybe when they're having a hard day at work. Guaranteed to create delight and smiles," he suggested. It's something that pretty much all of us can do today—right now, in fact.
"At the end of the day, visible investments of time and effort signal love in a profound way. Research has shown this fact consistently for years. And based on personal experience, I will say that I have no arguments with this research. Shannon and I delight each other in these kinds of ways regularly—and doing so shows the other that our thoughts and hearts are with our partner. Ultimately, displaying such investments of time and energy sit at the core of this thing that we call 'love.' And these are all things that we can easily do each and every day." You can also find Dr. Geher on Psychology Today (Darwin's Subterranean World) and Substack (The Human Condition).
#7 It's Funny For You But Not For Us Who've Got To Reorganize It
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#8 My Pup Decided To Help Me Get Extra Good Looking For My Wife For Valentine's Day
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#9 Welp, Just Realized I Bought A Lesbian Valentines Card For My Wife (I'm A Man)
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The National Retail Federation (NRF) predicts that American consumers are likely to spend a record-breaking amount of money this Valentine’s Day.
The NRF’s annual survey found that spending should reach $27.5 billion in 2025, even higher than the record $27.4 billion set back in 2020.
It’s estimated that the average American will spend $188.81 on Valentine's Day, up slightly from the $185.81 spent in 2024. Valentine’s Day is a bit more popular this year than last.
The NRF states that 56% of American consumers plan to celebrate it this year, compared to 53% in 2024. More men said they intend to celebrate the holiday this year: 55% in 2025 vs 51% in 2024.
#10 Valentine’s Rejection
Image credits: harbinger_CHI
#11 Valentine's Day Fail
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#12 So, I Got My Wife A Balloon For Valentine's Day
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This year, the most popular gift categories include candy (56% of respondents plan to buy some), flowers (40%), greeting cards (also 40%), an evening out (35%), and jewelry (22%).
That should amount to around $6.5 billion spent on jewelry, $5.4 billion on an evening out, $2.9 billion on flowers, $2.5 billion on candy, and $1.4 billion on greeting cards.
Over a third (38%) of Valentine’s shopping happens online, 34% happens at department stores, 29% at discount stores, and 18% at specialty shops and florists.
Treating your significant other on Valentine’s Day is, naturally, what most consumers plan to do. However, nearly a third (32%) of Americans also plan to buy gifts for their friends.
Meanwhile, a whopping 19% also have plans to purchase gifts for their colleagues. And 32% also plan to treat their pets to something special on February 14.
#13 My Kid Got This In A Valentine's Day Goodie Bag At School. It's A Crayon
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#14 Men Will Post Everything Except The Girl They're With
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#15 This Krispy Kreme Valentine's Day Donut
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“Whether they are celebrating a significant other or someone else in their lives, Valentine’s Day is meaningful for many people. Consumers are looking for special ways to treat their loved ones and can expect retailers to provide the best gift options and deals,” said Katherine Cullen, NRF Vice President of Industry and Consumer Insights.
#16 There Was An Attempt To Make My Crush My Valentine
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#17 I Levo This Girl So Much
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#18 Went To Panda Express With My Girlfriend For Valentine's Day
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Meanwhile, Phil Rist, Prosper Insights & Analytics Executive Vice President of Strategy, had this to say: “Consumers plan to celebrate Valentine’s Day through a variety of ways to show appreciation and love for the many different people around them. Purchasing gifts for those outside of significant others or family members continues to rise in popularity and reflects consumers’ growing interest in celebrating all the meaningful relationships in their lives.”
#19 Sounds Like Jodee Should Get A New Valentine. Maybe Someone Who Doesn’t Cheat And Can Spell Slept
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#20 Happy Valentine
My girlfriend left a gift in the car for me yesterday to find this morning when I went to work, but instead, I found a smashed window.
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#21 Valentines Pizza
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Younger generations plan to spend a lot more money on Valentine’s Day than older ones. Statista reports that in 2025, Americans from Generation Z are spending an average of $235 on February 14-related gifts and services. In second place are millennials who are spending roughly $176. Meanwhile, Generation X is spending just $95 while baby boomers are prepared to shell out an average of $53.
This makes sense the more you think about it. On the one hand, younger people are either still looking for love or they’re freshly in new relationships, so they want to leave a good impression with their gifts. On the other hand, members of older generations might increasingly value gifts that don’t necessarily require spending much money.
#22 Valentine Pie Fail
I spent hours today, working hard to make my other half apple pie with hand-cut hearts for the top crust. I admired her beauty as I slid it into the oven. Then my hand touched the hot rack, I overrated, and flipped the pie onto the oven door. I nearly cried scooping up what I could salvage. I so wanted it to be a show stopper, but on the bright side, my husband ate it just the same and said it tasted amazing. Haha Happy Valentines Day everyone.
Image credits: Case-Witty
#23 Valentine’s Day Rose Expectations. This Bouquet Feels More Like A Threat Or A Warning Than A Sweet Gesture. There Goes $110 Down The Drain
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#24 To Roast Someone On Valentine's Day
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You don’t necessarily have to break the bank to celebrate Valentine’s Day in style. If you’re on a tight budget, you can surprise your partner with a handmade gift, a home-cooked meal, an awesomely romantic date, a song you’ve written for them, a painting you made, etc.
The sky and your imagination are the limit! What truly matters is that you give your partner the attention they deserve and find small ways to do something truly special for them. It’s not the price tag of a luxury gift that makes someone feel seen, loved, and understood. Your effort, on the other hand, is priceless!
#25 An Attempt To Make A Romantic Valentines' Dinner
Image credits: mum2girls
#26 Sorry My Friend Made This Ad, Nobody At The Company Knew What It Meant LOL
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#27 Found The Day After Valentine's Day
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Have you ever had any Valentine’s Day fails of this caliber? How do you plan to celebrate Valentine’s Day this year, dear Pandas? Do you have any romantic or wholesome traditions with your partner?
Do you enjoy the holiday? Do you find it a bit cheesy and celebrate it ironically? Or do you try to find ways to be romantic throughout the year, whether or not it’s February 14? We’d love to hear all about your plans, expectations, and past rejections, so if you’ve got a moment, feel free to share yours in the comments!
#28 Squirrels Infiltrated My Room And Stole My Valentines Chocolate While I Was Asleep
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#29 My Son Didn’t Approve Of The Class Valentines Cards I Picked
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#30 I Invited Friends And Family To A Art & Spirits (Drinking) Get Together At Home, I Was Planning On Painting Valentine's Day-Themed Pictures But Nobody Showed
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#31 The Valentine's Day Brownies I Bought Expire Before Valentine's Day
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#32 What I Paid For vs. What They Delivered To My Wife For Valentines
All she wanted were some flowers. A $50 arrangement with an additional surprise $30 service fee... What a scam. They wouldn't give me a refund unless I drove to the city she works in to return them.
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#33 My Friend Owns A Florist Shop And She Posted Her And Her Employee's Hand From The Week Of Valentine's Day
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#34 This Is How Men Will Embarrass You
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#35 Blursed Valentine's Day
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#36 Valentine's Pastry At My Local Coffee Shop
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#37 Bought A Single $4 Rose To Brighten Up My Desk For Valentine's Day, And Tried To Remove The Inexplicable Tag
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#38 I Printed Out Photos Of My And My Boyfriend For Valentine's. The Machine Proceeded To Print Me A Picture Of Mike Tyson
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#39 Meanwhile, The Summertime Humidity Here In Australia Claimed A Victim: My Mum’s Valentine’s Day Card She Got This Year
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#40 Matching With Someone On Valentine's Day
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#41 This Heart Shaped Pizza Crust Again Highlights My Amazing Cooking Abilities
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#42 Flowers I Ordered For Valentines. Never Buy From 1800flowers Learned My Lesson After Reading How Much Of A Scammer They Are
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#43 Tried To Make A Cheeseboard For My Boyfriend For Valentine's Day With Zero Experience
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#44 Third Year In A Row Valentine's Day Does Not Go Well For Me. Just Hours Before My Valentine's Date I Started Feeling Really Bad, So I Took A Covid/Flu Test
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#45 Found On The Road. I Guess It Didn’t Go As Planned
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#46 You Know It's Valentines Day When All The Ladies Razors Are Sold Out
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#47 Ordered Pizzas For Valentines Day With My Boyfriend And They Were Delivered Like This
The driver must've crashed and rolled their car like 40 times and still said "well I've got pizzas to deliver on we go" or someone got pissed that they work a job and was scheduled on valentines and just decided to ruin our day. valentines grinch or accident, I'm upset.
Good news though, we called the company & showed them these photos and they offered to send us new pizzas for free so our day isn't ruined. I'm putting these in the fridge for when I feel like a depression meal.
Image credits: MommyTofftoff
#48 I Can't Spend The Day With My Girlfriend Or Have A Valentines Dinner But At Least I Can Wear A Pink Shirt
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#49 We Were Supposed To Be Having Lunch At A Fancy Restaurant Next To The Napa River. Minutes Before We Left I Fell And We Are Now Eating A Chicken Sandwich And Fruit Cup From The Hospital Cafeteria While We Wait To Know If It's A Sprained Ankle Or A Broken Ankle
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#50 Sad Valentine’s Day Cake
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#51 Oh Wow, Thanks For Noticing
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#52 Coworkers Make Each Other Valentines And I’m The Literally The Only One In My 12 Person Office That Didn’t Have One Made For Them. Some People Even Have Multiple… Awkward
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#53 Casually Cooking Valentine's Day Dinner
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#54 That's Some Fail
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#55 While Snuffing Out The Last Candle I Bumped It And Splattered Hot Wax Everywhere. Happy Valentines Day, Honey?
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#56 My Mom Wrote On My Dads Red Valentines Card Envelope With Red Pen
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#57 9 Of 15 Roses In My Valentine’s Day Bouquet Had Broken Stems. The Packaging Hid The Damage Until They Were Unwrapped At Home And They Had All Clearly Been Broken For More Than A Day
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#58 Quite Possibly The Worst Looking Valentines Cake I’ve Ever Made. Looks Like A Three Toddlers Got Together With Three Chimpanzees To Decorate It
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#59 When Valentine’s Day Comes Around
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#60 Kids Valentine Pops Claimed To Have 5 Fun Flavors. Unfortunately There Were Only 3 Mediocre Flavors
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#61 To Make An Inspirational Quote For Valentine’s Day
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#62 This Is Sad
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#63 Life Really Hates You
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#64 A Valentine’s Day Decoration Dyed My Hands Pink. It’s Much More Vibrant In Person - Looks Like I Drew On Myself With A Highlighter
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#65 Happy Valentines. Here Are Some Moldy Flowers I Saw At Walmart
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#66 Happy Valentine’s Day From My Beefy Fingers To Yours
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#67 Linkedin Husband Forgets Valentine’s Day
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#68 Part Of My Wife's Valentine's Gift. Not The Most Egregious, But It Definitely Looks Worse Than What I Ordered
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