Love may be in the air but for comedian Emma Doran, Valentine’s Day also brings a large helping of ‘the ick’.

Across the world, millions of love-struck couples will today get together, exchange gifts and tell each other just how much they love each other.

Speaking on The Pat Kenny Show, Ms Doran said she is “not totally opposed” to Valentine’s Day but she hates how it makes many companies and  people behave.

“I used to be a copywriter,” she said. 

“So, I totally get it, but you know the way when the ads start coming out around Valentine’s and it says, ‘Love is in the air for a two for one deal on carpet cleaner.’ 

“I realise they have to do it and at Halloween they have to do something ‘spooktacular’ and all that - but the ads around Valentine’s Day do irk me, I have to say.” 

Chocolate in front of bouquet of red roses and candles.

Another tradition is dining out with your partner after work. 

Broadly speaking, Ms Doran thinks “that’s fine” and she especially thinks it is “cute” when it is teenagers; however, she dislikes some of the things couples often do when out with each other. 

“But if I see a couple holding hands while having dinner… it’s just not practical,” she said. 

“It’s just puke-inducing, I’m not a fan of that now. 

“We don’t need that.” 

In recent years, gushing posts on social media have become another tradition and Ms Doran is especially sceptical about couples who feel the need to post about their other half on the internet. 

“These posts on Facebook of people posting ‘Boy done good’ and a picture of all the lavish gifts he’s given her,” she said. 

“He’s clearly having an affair with your sister, that’s why he got you those gifts.” 

Research by SuperValu has found 58% like to celebrate Valentine’s Day with a meal in, while 30% said they preferred to go out for the occasion. 

The survey also found 51% of people celebrate the day, although 9% of people said the celebrations made them feel lonely about being single.

Main image: Emma Doran. Image: Newstalk