The inevitable red hearts, cards and candy flood shelves as early as New Year’s.
Grocery and convenience stores fill up with pink and red decorations, attempting to make even the most bitter soul smile.
The holiday has been around for what seems like forever. Really, it’s only been around since the 14th century, but who’s counting?
It can be an especially polarizing day — some think it’s sweet and love the chance to celebrate, while others find themselves more on the lonely side and less drawn to the day.
Valentine’s Day has always been about romantic celebration but it seems that it’s been changing in recent years. USF St. Petersburg students share diverse viewpoints on the holiday.
Stefan Naranjo, a junior psychology major, said that he sees the change in the holiday.
“There are definitely some aspects that are more for friends, like with ‘Parks and Rec.’ and Galentine’s Day,” Naranjo said.
Galentine’s Day is a holiday from the show “Parks and Recreation.” Amy Poehler’s character created the idea for female friends to spend time together and support each other on Feb. 13. That episode aired in 2010 and has become increasingly popular since.
Some USFSP students find solace in their buddies on the days leading up to Valentine’s.
“If you have a group of friends you can’t be that lonely,” Naranjo said.
Melissa LaQuire is a freshman biology major who agrees that the occasion is about more than romance.
“For me, Valentine’s Day is about celebrating relationships in general,” she said.
LaQuire will exchange candy with her family and spend time with them on Tuesday.
For some, like LaQuire, it is a low key day, but for others such as Jordan Caswell, an environmental science and policy major, there are traditions that come along with it.
“My family is really small. It’s just my mom and I are each other’s Valentines,” Caswell said. “I do think it is a corporate holiday but it’s still nice.”
Caswell and her mother pick their favorite movie of the year before the occasion, and then leave clues relating to the movie that will lead the other to their gift. This year they chose M. Night Shymalan’s “Split,” which premiered in January.
For Michael Mcdade, a junior English major, it’s the time to demonstrate how you’re feeling. He plans on watching “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them” later that night, but earlier on he’ll give a gift.
“It’s good to show someone you’re thinking of them without being lovey dovey, but I still want to take that risk and see that reaction,” Mcdade said. “I think it’s a risk worth taking.”
Robert Edmiston, a senior in the marine biology department, has never liked Valentine’s Day. His birthday falls on Feb. 13 and has always found it annoying that they are so close together. He also has another problem with the sentiment.
“It’s one day that you’re supposed to love everyone, but that really should be every day,” Edmiston said.
Whether you’re excited about Valentine’s Day or not, you should treat yo’self.
Photo courtesy of NBC
