Like it or not, February 14th comes around every year, and depending on your relationship status, this probably either means love and excitement or complete and utter despair. For those who are happily involved with a significant other, this holiday is one to look forward to. But if you’re like me (alone), then you probably have a much different (and likely negative) outlook on Valentine’s Day.
Personally, my feelings on this subject are mixed, but mostly hateful. Maybe it’s because I’ve spent 18 Valentine’s Days in the somber state of being single, but I happen to think I’m correct, so hear me out.
Tell me this isn’t the basic outline of most couples’ Valentine’s Day: the boyfriend gets his girlfriend roses, a heart necklace, and a stupid bear that will sit in her closet until they break up in two months. The girl probably just buys him some Sour Patch Kids and a hoodie. They post each other on their stories with heart emojis, despite the fact that everyone has known they’ve been dating for nine months now. They spend another hundred bucks to go to The Melting Pot, though they could easily go to Chili’s in sweatpants on any given Friday night. And finally (this is the worst part for me), they ask to be each other’s “valentines”, even though they’re already together!
I’m not sure why on God’s green earth some of these aspects of the holiday are the way they are, but hey, who am I to judge?
Don’t get me wrong, I don’t hate the concept of Valentine’s Day; I just find it to be somewhat pointless and sometimes slightly icky. It seems like an excuse to make single people want to vomit out of both depression and second-hand embarrassment and place unnecessary pressure on people in relationships to blow money on sugar and stuffed animals.
I do think it’s nice that everyone gets to show their appreciation for their partners, but sometimes I question why there’s an entire global holiday dedicated to this. Maybe my opinion is a little biased. Maybe I’m just a bit sour because I’ve never had much reason to celebrate Valentine’s Day. But I’m not alone on this; sophomore Grace Mayhugh seems to share similar beliefs.
“I hate it. It shouldn’t be a thing,” Mayhugh said. “Please stop shoving it in everyone’s faces. XOXO.”
Her Valentine’s Day plans included, “going to the gym to get that summa’ body; #hotgirlsummer”. Love to see it, Grace.
Senior Laurel Hull, on the other hand, is in a happy relationship. Unsurprisingly, she has a lovely perspective on this holiday.
“I think it’s a cute holiday for everyone–whether you are in a relationship or not,” said Hull.
She claimed that even if she were single she would feel the same way, saying, “It’s a chance to show the people you love how much you appreciate them.”
But sophomore Aedan Smith is sadly another member of the single community, and he sees no joy during this holiday of love. He agreed that some of the things that couples do on this day are disagreeable.
“Okay, enough of this buying each other things,” Smith remarked. “You are in a high school relationship working a minimum wage job. Enough.”
Another aspect he can’t support is the postings on social media.
“Good for you, I’m happy for you, but stop posting stuff. I don’t care,” said Smith.
His plans on February 14th were to “Sleep. Eat. Sleep more.” Me too, Aedan. Me too.
So although Valentine’s Day might be a great time for some, I think it’s important that we recognize that not everyone has the privilege of celebrating it. If we’re going to devote 24 whole hours to these people, then maybe we should also have a day for those who spend the 14th of February in sorrow and heartache. I say we make February 15th National Single People Day. Can’t everyone have their time to feel loved?
