Valentine’s Day is supposed to be about love, flowers, chocolate and Instagram posts with carefully chosen love captions, but for many relationships, Valentine’s Day doesn’t strengthen their bond; it tests it, and the holiday has quietly earned a new reputation: breakup season.

The problem is not the holiday itself. Unrealistic expectations are often brought with it.

A time of year is created in which couples are pushed to confront how serious they are and how much effort is expected from each other. As those questions pile up, appreciation is often replaced by comparison. Social media feeds are scrolled through, and expensive dates, surprise gifts and picture-perfect couples are seen — and a relationship is measured against someone else’s highlight reel.

In college relationships, the pressure is felt even more. Tight class schedules, financial stress and uncertainty about the future are often baked into the relationship.

For one partner, Valentine’s Day may be viewed as a major moment, the ultimate symbol of commitment. For the other, it may be treated as just another day in the middle of exams, work shifts and project deadlines. When those expectations are misaligned, disappointment is often created.

Breakups and strained relationships are frequently tied to that clash. The pattern has become common enough that a name has been given to it: “Red Tuesday.”

In an interview with the Daily Mail, Jessica Leoni, described as a sex and relationships expert, said the pressure can make some people feel trapped. Rather than investing in a relationship that is not seen as lasting, ties are cut, she said.

Still, the question has to be asked: Is this an actual concern, or is any reason being used to split?

In many cases, it is real. When shelves are stocked with hearts and flowers, a crushing sense of “not enough” can be triggered. A feeling can be created that something big must be planned, money must be spent and a perfect date must be delivered.

As a college student, that anxiety can be intensified. A budget is often stretched thin already, and the pressure to “go all out” can collide with the reality of rent, groceries and tuition.

If anything good is taken from the chaos, it is this: A relationship can be revealed. Values are often exposed, priorities are made clear and the question is answered — can the pressure of the season of love be handled, or will it win?