Emily Wood
Reporter
Reporter
It’s that time of year again, when those who are in a relationship have the excuse to amp up the PDA, and the other single teenagers break out their box of chocolates and the latest season of the Bachelor.
As Valentine’s Day slowly approaches, the time comes to show that special someone how much you really care about them. For sophomores Erik Jager and Maureen Schott, this will not be the first Valentine’s Day they will spend together so they will be taking a more laid back approach toward the holiday. “I think Valentine’s Day can be a little corny, but it’s still fun to spend time together. In the past we just hung out and exchanged gifts” Maureen said.
Erik agreed. “We don’t take Valentines day too seriously. We know when it is and try to hang out, but we aren’t going to go and buy every flower in Connecticut,” he said.
Another long-time couple who will be taking the holiday lightly, are sophomores Sara* and John*. “We exchange gifts, nothing too intense, small little cards and cute gifts always let others know you care,” Sara said.
But for other couples who will be spending their first Valentine’s Day together, the holiday will be spent much more traditionally. “This Valentine’s Day will definitely be taken more seriously, especially because our seven month anniversary falls on the same date,” junior Peter* said.
Along with the candy hearts and cheesy cards that come with Valentine’s Day, students also begin to feel pressured to make the day special. “The candy is always nice. The pressure to not screw up is hard though,” senior Michael* said.
The high expectations set by media, support the idea that Valentine’s Day is no longer a day of love, but revolves around who can buy the most expensive gift. “The idea of Valentine’s Day is a nice way to let your friends and family know how much they mean to you” senior Katie* said. “But if you walk into CVS or Walgreens, it’s so over the top. Like singing frogs and 2 feet tall cars? It can be a bit much.”
Sophomore Lindsay Shanley agreed. “I think it’s commercialized when people buy expensive gifts and I don’t think Valentines day is about that,” she said.
Choosing whether or not to celebrate Valentine’s Day can be a tough decision, especially if you are single this holiday season. However, students have started coming up with plans early in order to spread the love. “I plan on giving out Valentine’s Day cards and chocolates to all my single friends,” sophomore Azadeh Amir-Aslani said.
But Valentine’s Day is not just for teenagers, it can also be a family event. “My family always bakes heart shaped sugar cookies and hangs up our old kindergarten Valentine’s Day projects. It’s not just for couples, but celebrating everyone you love in your life,” Katie* said.
Sophomore Claire Picard’s family also has a special tradition for the holiday. “In my family, for every Valentine’s day my parents have spent together, my dad adds a rose to my mom’s bouquet. So this year she is getting twenty-six roses,” Claire said.
So whether you are having a girls night out or a romantic dinner for two, Valentine’s Day provides the opportunity to spread the love. Lindsay stated, “It’s about being with your significant other and giving them something that’s more meaningful and from the heart, instead of money.”
*Names have been changed
