Part 5/8:
As we raise our glasses to singlehood, it’s fascinating to recount how Valentine's cards evolved over time. The Victorian Era embraced this burgeoning tradition, particularly following the introduction of the uniform Penny Post, which allowed affectionate messages to travel safely and discreetly through the mail. By the 1840s, the sheer volume of Valentine cards forced postmen to modify their routes and work schedules to manage the flow.
However, sentiment was not universally positive. Critics decried the rise of Valentine’s greetings as insincere and cheap, arguing that many were merely pre-written verses devoid of personal touch. The New York Times even condemned the "miserable lines" upon which people relied during this season of love.