While a majority of people believe Valentine’s Day is meant for those in a romantic relationship, it serves as a way for others to get creative in expressing their love and appreciation for more than a lover.
In a recent article from the Associated Press, numerous polls showed that nearly 50% of U.S. adults not in a romantic relationship still celebrate Valentine’s Day, while nearly 90% of U.S. adults in a romantic relationship did celebrate the special day together.
But how do college students celebrate the special day?
“My boyfriend and I went out to dinner at this restaurant called Chicago Prime Italian, which was pretty nice,” UW-Whitewater freshman Grace Caputo said. “We also celebrated our anniversary. Our anniversary is February 8th and Valentine’s Day is the 14th, so we combined both holidays.”
While Caputo and her boyfriend represent the average experience of a young couple in a romantic relationship, what about those who still celebrate Valentine’s Day despite no romantic partner to spend the day with?
“As an RA, I celebrate Valentine’s Day with my residents by making them door decorations of little candy hearts,” Wells West Resident Assistant Betsabe Ramos said. “My favorite part of making the decorations is seeing everybody’s reactions. I find it important to spread some love and some kindness in any way, shape or form that you can, and Valentine’s Day is the perfect excuse to do that.”
Ramos also added additional thoughts as to why it is important to her to celebrate Valentine’s Day for her residents.
“Sometimes it brings feelings of loneliness or being really emotional and vulnerable, because we never know what anybody is going though. Whether they are missing romantic love, platonic love, or familial love, it’s important to let them know and remind them they are loved and cared for.”
Even if someone in school feels they are alone, people like Ramos exist to support students by providing them a reminder that they are loved and cared for under her support.
That said, some still enjoy their time spent alone.
“When I was single, I didn’t really hang out with friends very much. I’ve since come out of my shell, but I really wasn’t like that. I like being alone and having ‘me’ time,” Madison College sophomore Emmeline Huddleston said. “I would spend my time inside by myself by having a little self-care day.”
Though she is now in a romantic relationship, she still values the time spent caring for herself and looking after her, even on previous Valentine’s Days where she was single.
“I did a lot of facial masks and my nails, watched a lot of shows, and ate some of my favorite candy,” Huddleston said. “It was peaceful. I just liked being by myself and taking care of me.”
Given the many perspectives offered, Valentine’s Day serves as a way to remind yourself and others their worth in the world through many outlets of love.
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