“Will you be my valentine?” We’ve been hearing this since grade school. Of course, this was back in the days when everyone was everyone’s Valentine, bringing in cards and candy for each classmate on the special day. However, that was when candy wasn’t banned in half of the schools in America and when love was a general feeling among classmates rather than an intimate and sometimes destructive passion among fellow college students.
Some of us have developed a view of Valentine’s Day as a “Hallmark Holiday,” formulated by the media and advertised as the one and only day to show your love. Others cherish it, recalling its meaningful history dating back to both the Middle Ages and the Shakespearean era.
Perhaps for bitter singles, Valentine’s Day is a brutal reminder of failed relationships or a simple annoyance of witnessing Whitman’s chocolate company cashing in on last minute attempts at romantic gestures. On the contrary, for those in love, it is a reminder of romance that is often forgotten once the honeymoon phase comes to an end.
Senior education major Mariola Cieloch is in a long distance relationship with her longtime boyfriend who attends University of Delaware, so she looks forward to the day of love.
She said, “Valentine’s Day is special for me and my boyfriend. It’s his birthday too, so we make sure to spend time together every year since we are three hours apart.”
It doesn’t matter what side of the fence you are on about Valentine’s Day because nothing will change the fact that it occurs every Feb. 14. According to The History Channel’s website, 150 million Valentine’s Day cards are sent each year, which makes Valentine’s Day second to Christmas as the most popular card-exchanging holiday. Even though some people may have negative feelings about the day, this proves that many continue to participate in it.
If you’re flying solo this year, there are still some ways to feel the love Feb. 14. Dwelling on not being taken out a date? Spread your love to family members and friends instead. Valentine’s Day does not just have to be for couples. Make it your own by sending cards and a care packages to your parents or siblings. It will make them feel good and you feel better.
Besides giving, don’t forget to take the day for yourself as well. Since Valentine’s Day falls on a Friday this year, take the week to eat super healthy and give yourself the last day of the week to spoil yourself. Avoid night crowds and go out to eat for lunch with friends or by yourself. At night, attend or host a Valentine’s themed party by wearing pink or red and providing your guests with snacks, drinks, and games.
Senior art major Nicole Comito plans on spending it this way. “Its my first Valentine’s day being single in years, but I’m more excited for it now than when I actually had a boyfriend! During the day I’ll eat chocolate and maybe watch the Valentine’s Day movie. At night, I’m celebrating it with all my single people at a friend’s house with a Valentine theme.”
If you do have a significant other to impress, there are other ways to celebrate. Unfortunately, Valentine’s dates can have long waits and be over-priced. Luckily, cooking is actually just as, or even more, romantic. If you have a house off campus, hit the grocery store and plan a romantic candlelight dinner to wow your partner. Putting thought into your meal rather than just paying at a restaurant will impress your lover. Plus, this allows you to avoid crowded parking or long lines.
Junior education major Rachel Fox said, “I would be delighted if a guy our age actually cooked me dinner, but I of course enjoy the atmosphere of a restaurant as well.”
Rather than only focusing on dinner, you could also make plans elsewhere. Take the train into New York, walk along the beach shops in Pier Village, or go on a rock climbing date at Garden State Rocks in Morganville. Thinking outside the heart-shaped box and planning a unique date will be sure to impress your Valentine.
No matter who you spend Valentine’s Day with or how you celebrate, spend it with the people who matter most. If you do so, Feb. 14 is sure to be memorable.
PHOTO TAKEN from sherrifoxman.typepad.com
