« Two Books Worth Reading | Main | Are Payday Loans Repugnant? »
Happy Valentine’s Day
By Chris | February 14, 2008
I’m not really qualified to be giving Valentine’s Day advice. But, you should check out self-described aspiring economist Glen Weyl’s Valentine’s Day guide to going to the movies.
Valentine’s Day reminds me of how important signaling is in our relationships with one another. We put such an emphasis on picking the right gift or finding the perfect words in order signal that we really know and care about the people closest to us. But, to paraphrase a quote attributed to Robin Hanson, “Isn’t it enough to love someone. Why should I have to signal that I love them?”
So don’t stress if your Valentine’s Day plans flop or your gift fails to impress. They are only signals. And cheap, fallible ones at that.
Topics: Advice, College, Economics | No Comments »