Jené Thomas – General Assignment Reporter
Despite it only being celebrated one day of the year, the day of love is approaching. Valentine’s Day is unlike any holiday for one reason. Those who celebrate Christmas or Thanksgiving don’t typically complain about the holidays. They are usually happy days. Valentine’s Day can include food and gifts, just like any other holiday but it is the one day that people either love or hate the most.
Ironic isn’t it? The one day designed for love can create such cynicism. The divider is what separates the optimists from the realists. There are those who get to spend the day with someone special and there are those who are reminded that they are single or alone.
At Southern Connecticut State University, the students haven’t evaded the dividing lines of Valentine’s Day. Many admitted to having plans on the day, whether it was with a loved or celebrating solo. There were many traditional dinner dates in preparation.
“I think we’re going to the Cheesecake Factory,” Rebecca Harmon said.
Harmon is currently celebrating a birthday, while her boyfriend celebrates his a few days after Valentine’s Day so they may have a late Valentine’s Day.
“We’re going out for sushi,” Sarah Coleman said.
Some were not as sure as Harmon and Coleman. Austin Boucher knows that he will spend the day with his girlfriend but his plans were “up in the air.”
“We’ll probably do the typical dinner,” he said.
Every holiday has its traditions. Veterans Day memorializes past and current military members. Easter usually involves church services, chocolate eggs and a giant bunny. Everyone seems to want to go out to dinner on Valentine’s Day, as if it is some unspoken rule for the day. The movement escapes me.
Don’t misunderstand, going out to a restaurant is always nice but it seems like such a cliché. I mean, I’m doing the same thing on Valentine’s Day, but why do we do it? It is the most crowded day to go out since everyone is doing it. Isn’t Valentine’s Day supposed to be an intimate day just with loved ones? Going out to restaurants isn’t even just for couples. Friends and families go out to eat on the day too.
“I’ll probably go out to dinner with my parents,” said Giuliana D’Archangelo.
She isn’t the only one not spending the day with a significant other, which was somewhat of nice change. People don’t seem to realize that it is okay to spend the day with people other than a boyfriend or girlfriend. It’s even okay to spend the day by yourself. Don’t let people tell you watching Netflix on the day isn’t special. If the internet is working at all, it will be a special day regardless.
“I’m probably going to finish Gossip Girl,” Lauren Yaffa said.
Whether the people with Valentine’s Day plans are going into the day in a relationship or single, they are infinitely luckier than those who don’t have a choice in how they spend their day.
“Well I’m working and she’s working so I don’t know,” Jefferson Sherald said. “We may do something earlier.”
Despite the day falling on a Saturday this year, people can’t escape their responsibilities. There may be in extended holiday at school, preventing classes but people still have obligations.
“I have a track meet,” Ryan Flach said.
No matter what you have in store for the day, take some time doing something for the most important person. You. The day is about love and there is nothing more important than self-love. How can anyone expect to love anyone else if they can’t love themselves?
Photo Credit: Navy_NADAP, melgupta