It’s ValenTime

It’s ValenTime

Ben and Jerry’s ice cream and giant teddy bears are flying off the shelves as couples prepare for a day of flowers, rom-coms and fancy dinners. However, for some February 14 is simply the beginning of a month of discounted chocolate. Whether a student is already picking out their date attire or starting a new list of sad movies on Netflix, everyone can agree that Valentine’s Day creates quite a buzz around school.

Staying in Alone

“I guess Valentine’s Day would be a big deal if it actually involved me,” senior Josh Romay said. “To me it’s like celebrating somebody else’s birthday. It’s a special day but not particularly for me.”

Many students may feel left out of cupid’s holiday, but many proud singles refuse to let Valentine’s Day bother them.

“Valentine’s Day is basically just another capitalist way to promote relationships,” junior Hannah Spell said. “I don’t find it a big deal. It’s just another commercial holiday.”

Some staff members aren’t shy about their disdain for Valentine’s Day.

“It’s over-commercialized,” administrator John Neldon said. “Some people really get into it, but personally I think that it’s just another holiday where people can make money.”

Neldon also proved that spending quality time with your loved one inside is just as good as a fancy dinner. He chooses to stay in with family as opposed to going out on a fancy date.

Although some students can forget Valentine’s Day’s existence, many prove there’s a diamond in the rough when it comes to their least favorite holiday.

“When I was really little my grandma bought me Teddy bears every year,” sophomore Kaylee Parker said.

In addition to stuffed animals, chocolate is often the one thing that everyone can look forward to on Valentine’s Day.

“My mom got me chocolates and in elementary school we would do the Valentine’s boxes,” Romay said. “I haven’t celebrated it in a really long time.”

As opposed to going out with a significant other, many single students choose to stay home and treat Valentine’s Day as any other day.

“I usually just stay home with my family,” Parker said.

The Inside Scoop

Valentine’s Day can be particularly stressful for single people, and for some the sight of any couple being cute and sappy makes them want to gag. For those that dislike the day of love, make the day about yourself. Log out of snapchat, watch your favorite shows on Netflix, and buy yourself some chocolate. Do whatever makes you happy to turn the day around. Valentine’s Day isn’t only about love that you share with another person, it can also be about the you have for yourself.

Staying in With a Date

If students are looking to still have a great time on Valentine’s Day with that special someone, but want to skip the busy restaurants and large price tag that can come with it, staying in for Valentine’s Day can be a great alternative.

“I would rather stay in. Going out is expensive and costs money, while staying in is easy and simple but can still be just as nice as going out,” senior Carlie Ross said.

While staying in for Valentine’s Day has it’s positives, it may seem less exciting to some people, however, it can still give someone and their significant other quality time together. Staying in can cut out distractions. While the gesture may not be as grand as going out on a date, the night can still be special.

“I think as long as the gesture is thoughtful and sincere, then it doesn’t have to be big and extravagant,” Ross said.

Staying in can be more than just being lazy too. You can do anything from cooking a meal, watching a movie, or just ordering pizza and talking. You can still make a simple night special.

The Inside Scoop

Staying in can sometimes be exactly what you and your date need. After long days and the stress of high school it can be good to grab a good movie and get close with someone you care about. Even though it’s simple and small, you can avoid the high prices and large crowds while having an amazing night

Going Out With Friends

Other students, however, prefer to spend Valentine’s Day out of the house with other single friends.

“I love spending time with friends,” Spell said. “It makes the day more fun because nobody wants to be alone on Valentine’s Day. My friend date is probably going to be Derek Ray. I like dates that are really relaxed and chill, like maybe go to a restaurant or go see a movie. I want to spend time with them and not ignore them.”

Teachers, who every year witness the effect of Valentine’s Day on students, often have a lot to say about letting the holiday get to teens at such a young age. Teacher Tara Grosdidier is no exception.

“I think people put too much pressure

on themselves to have someone to spend Valentine’s Day with and I think that’s obviously due to social media and just

life in general,” Grosdidier said. “I feel like you should just relax and have fun even if you don’t have a significant other, you can still go out with your friends and do something fun. It doesn’t have to be a day you spend with a significant other but rather just a day spent with people you love.

The Inside Scoop

Friend dates can be just as great as going on a date with a significant other. Treat your friends to dinner, hand out Valentine’s cards, go see a cheesy movie together. Share the love this Valentine’s Day.

Going Out With a Date

Going out with your date on Valentine’s Day has become a tradition for many people. Whether it’s having a nice dinner, seeing a movie, or going somewhere new, it can be a great opportunity to spend time with someone you care about.

“I enjoy going out because it gives you a chance to experience different things with this person. I get to find out more about what they enjoy and they get to find out what I enjoy,” junior Lily Bogue said.

Going out on Valentine’s Day can also give couples an opportunity to show each other how much they care for one another. It allows them to do something special for the other person and go on a bigger date they may not do on just any other day.

“I’m a go out girl. I love to go to dinner, hang out with my family who usually includes my girls, husband and my mom,” Grosdidier said.

Other great reasons to go out on Valentine’s Day with your date include being able to get out of the house and give both you and your significant other something to make your night more special. Going somewhere nice gives you a chance to change the atmosphere of just a normal date and can be a breathe of fresh air in the middle of a busy school year.

“I do believe doing something for Valentine’s Day is important,” Bogue said. “Going on more formal dates every once and awhile helps to keep things fresh. Plus, I think it’s fun.”

The Inside Scoop

If one is looking for a classic way to spend Valentine’s Day with their significant other, going out is a great option that can lead to a fun and memorable night. However, if students want to skip busy restaurants and price tags, staying in can be a great alternative.