It’s officially February! And no, it’s not just special because it is the shortest month of the year, or because this is the month where occasionally it is not freezing cold every day like in January; it is most commonly known as the month of love, also known as Valentine’s Day. When the day comes to mind people usually have one of two responses: “ewww!” or “awww!” It has become clear to me that people absolutely love Valentine’s Day or hate it. There is no in between.
But I think Valentine’s Day is more than just a day to spend with your sweetheart. It is a day for all the loves in your life. Just think back to when we were in elementary school. You made valentines for your whole class or your favorite people. As special as it is to spend the day gushing with your lover, don’t forget about your friends and family; especially ones who may be having a difficult holiday or may not be feeling the love these days, like a friend who has just recently broken up with a significant other or is having a difficult beginning to the semester.
This Valentine’s Day, try avoiding clichés. Spend time with your friends for part of the day by having lunch together or going to see an early movie. Take a step back and look at the big picture; it is just a another day, but one you should really spend with the ones you love, even if that means doing homework together, which I know most of us wouldn’t qualify as a date. The point of the day is spending it with someone special, and not about what activity you do or what gift you get the other.
This leads me to my next point: as far as gifts go, aim for practicality rather than being romantic. You can always ask them if they need something or what is at the top of their want list. As college students, many of us are not rolling in the dough at our local campus jobs, so getting someone something they really need would be more appreciated than some pretty jewelry they will occasionally wear. Now you’re asking yourself, “How will I know what my significant other needs?” Just listen extra carefully this week.
People tend to drop subtle hints. For example, I really need to go get a stupid calculator for accounting class. Try and combine little valentine-y stuff like chocolate or flowers with a practical present. Another great idea is making a Build-a-Bear at the SAB event this Wednesday.
It’s not about how much the other person can spend on each other; it’s about how creative you can get. I would even recommend setting a spending limit with your valentine. If you don’t have a valentine and are spending this Hallmark holiday with your friends, it may be fun to exchange little gifts that are meant for this holiday like sweetheart candies or a single flower. Nothing brightens up your dirty dorm room like a flower. Or you can always go for the fallback plan and just get a ton of junk food and watch chick flicks or Sportscenter all day. Everyone can agree that there is nothing better than being recognized or appreciated, so doing something small for the other valentines in your life is a great way to show that.
Whether you are bitter or just not a mushy person, still try and give Valentine’s Day a chance even if it is just a silly holiday blown way out of proportion. And don’t let stupid cupid give you too hard of a time. Not having the valentine you hoped for is not the end of the world. Have a great Valentine’s Day, sending hugs, kisses and hearts your way.
