I confess that I struggle with the current notion of Valentine's Day, and especially how it is supposed to be celebrated in 21st century. I dislike the consumer market demand, that you simply must by your significant other something to show your appreciation to declare your love. 

No wonder then that so many proposes to their future spouse on Valtine's Day. 

So how exactly did the legend come about?

Apparently Emperor Claudius II decided that single men made better soldiers than those with wives and families, he outlawed marriage for young men. Valentine, realizing the injustice of the man's decision, defied Claudius and continued to perform marriages for young lovers.When Valentine’s actions were discovered, Claudius punished him with death.

Some disagree and say that Valentine may have been killed for attempting to help Christians escape harsh Roman prisons, where they were often beaten and tortured. According to one legend, an imprisoned Valentine actually sent the first “valentine” greeting himself after he fell in love with a young girl–possibly his jailor’s daughter–who visited him during his confinement. Before his death, it is alleged that he wrote her a letter signed “From your Valentine."