Jenee Johnson
Opinions Editor
It’s that time of the year again: Valentine’s Day!
A holiday where Hallmark makes loads of money from people buying candy, cards, stuffed animals and balloons; a holiday where more men go buy rings, bracelets or necklaces; a holiday where women want to brag and say, “He went to Jared!”
It’s the one day where love is spread around through hugs and the exchange of Valentines or presents to those that people adore, love and appreciate. Love is in the air, everywhere you look around.
No seriously, everywhere you look around on campus.
Valentine’s Day is the one day on a small campus like ours where you notice more than ever who is in a relationship and who is not. And not everyone loves Valentine’s Day.
Whether it was a bad Valentine’s Day experience, unfortunate break-up or the fact they have never had someone to share this holiday with, some people do not like this holiday.
When you are not on the receiving end to the presents, the flowers or the candy, it definitely sucks, and on this day in particular you see more of those items come through the mail room than ever before.
Anyone that has a PRO-FLOWERS box or Edible Arrangements, you secretly curse them because they got something from a loved one and you didn’t. Even seeing someone with a small Valentine might set you off because it seems like you are a part of the “forever alone” crew. But don’t be fooled! They are just probably from their family member.
Now you could be one of those people that make it seem like you got something from someone whether you send yourself flowers or a cute note. To others, this might seem pathetic, but there is no better person to love on Valentine’s Day than you.
Someone once said, “You have to love yourself before anyone else can.” So giving yourself something is just a personal reminder that you are an awesome person and you love yourself. Or you can go out and do things you really enjoy as if taking yourself on a date. Believe me; you probably need to get away from campus for a while anyway.
Also, you might forget that since you aren’t in a relationship, or some that are in a relationship, you still have a group of individuals: your friends.
Whether they are on your team, in your sorority or fraternity, live on your hall or whatever the case may be, your friends have stood by you in times of sadness and loneliness, so don’t forget them. Remember they will be with you whether you are single or not. Give them something that shows your appreciation for them like a cute note or send them a song sung by the ladies of Αlpha Sigma Alpha, which can be hilarious depending on the song. You and your friends can even go out for dinner and a movie, hang out or go dancing and have a great time.
For those bold people, you may even want to ask that man or woman that you have had feelings for to go out on a date to get to know each other better which could possibly be the start of a relationship.
See, there are many options on Valentine’s Day where you don’t have to be miserable and glum because you aren’t with someone. Mix up the day! Besides, a dinner and a movie is overrated and getting old. You can catch a movie and get dinner anytime of the year. But, of course, since it is Valentine’s Day, it is supposed to be more romantic and intimate. Yeah right!
What I’m saying is that Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be a day where you realize you are single. Stop moping and do something that embraces love: love for family, love for friends, love for yourself, love for life and the list goes on. Remember, the Beatles said that “all you need is love,” but this isn’t the only day you have to show it; you have 364 other days too!
