In this clip of "Black Out with Ian & Rashad," hosts Rashad Bilal and Ian Dunlap delve into the contentious topic of Valentine's Day. Is it just a capitalist scam, or does it hold genuine value? The conversation kicks off with Rashad questioning the commercialization of Valentine's Day, asking if it is the biggest scam in America [00:00:00]. Ian responds by comparing it to other societal "scams" like Social Security and college, placing Valentine's Day in the top 20 [00:00:36].

Ian shares his thoughts on how every day should be a celebration of love, not just one overpriced day [00:00:50]. He admits to celebrating Valentine's Day but criticizes typical gestures like roses and chocolates as overdone [00:00:54]. Rashad and Ian then dive into the absurdity of overpriced Valentine's Day gifts like chocolate-dipped strawberries and edible arrangements [00:01:23]. Ian jokes about the "side chick day" on February 15th, an unofficial, universally acknowledged day that follows Valentine's Day [00:02:17].

The hosts also touch upon the importance of effort and thoughtfulness in relationships, highlighting how convenience often comes with a high price tag [00:03:21]. They discuss the American way of capitalizing on laziness and lack of effort, pointing out that better planning could save money and enhance experiences [00:04:11].

The clip takes an interesting turn as the hosts ponder whether you need to ask someone to be your Valentine and if going on a date automatically makes someone your Valentine [00:04:21]. They caution against doing too much and risking disappointment or being used for a free meal [00:04:56].

In a more serious segment, Ian and Rashad discuss the financial drain that some relationships can impose [00:05:24]. They advise letting go of relationships that are financially unsustainable, emphasizing the importance of mutual growth and financial contribution [00:05:49]. They stress the need for a partner who brings joy and value, thereby justifying the investment of time and resources [00:06:30].

Ian offers a litmus test for evaluating relationships: assess the impact on your financial and personal growth [00:06:59]. They caution against leading with financial offers in relationships, especially in entrepreneurial circles where people are often used for their resources [00:07:37].

Wrapping up, the hosts encourage open, honest conversations about financial strain in relationships, urging listeners to seek balance and mutual benefit [00:08:38].

**Timestamps:**

0:00 - Is Valentine's Day the biggest scam in America?

0:36 - Comparing Valentine's Day to other societal "scams"

0:50 - Treat every day as Valentine's Day

0:54 - Ian's Lover Boy Era: Being amazing every day

1:23 - Overpriced Valentine's Day gifts: Chocolate-dipped strawberries and edible arrangements

2:17 - The concept of "Side Chick Day"

3:21 - Effort and thoughtfulness in relationships

4:11 - The American way: capitalizing on laziness

4:21 - Do you have to ask someone to be your Valentine?

4:56 - Caution against doing too much on Valentine's Day

5:24 - Financially draining relationships: when to let go

5:49 - Teaching mutual financial contribution in relationships

6:30 - Evaluating relationship impact on financial and personal growth

6:59 - A litmus test for assessing relationships

7:37 - Leading with financial offers in relationships

8:38 - The importance of open, honest financial conversations in relationships

**Hashtags:**

#BlackOutPodcast #ValentinesDay #FinancialWisdom #RelationshipTalk #IanAndRashad #MoneyTips #LoveAndMoney #Capitalism #EffortInRelationships #FinancialAdvice

**Watch the full clip to hear the insightful discussion on the real value of Valentine's Day and relationships! Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more engaging content from Ian and Rashad.**

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