The month of February, in its 28 days, holds many fun events. The campus of Azusa Pacific University is decorated with pink and red in anticipation of one of the more controversial holidays, Valentine’s Day. Some relish a day to celebrate their love, while others are bitter about their relationship status or the way the holiday has become more corporate than community-based. Interviewing many students on Cougar Walk has revealed mixed opinions about February 14.
We asked each student, “What is your honest opinion about Valentine’s Day?” This question brought many unique answers.
Some students did not love the pressure to spend money, and the way companies, such as Hallmark and Hershey’s, have capitalized on the holiday.
“It feels very consumer-focused, to the point where the holiday is sensationalized,” said Kailee Kobayashi. Pressure to buy the perfect gift, the best flowers, or spend an extravagant amount of money going out left a bitter taste in some couples’ mouths.
“My boyfriend and I already spend a lot on each other for Christmas and birthdays, we don’t need another holiday to prove our love by spending money,” said Sammy.
Others celebrate with friends, focusing on more than just romantic love. With a holiday focused on couples, some may feel left out of the celebrations. However, with the rising trend of “Galentine’s Day” and other newfound traditions, it is no longer a day solely for those in romantic relationships.
“I prefer Galentine’s day, spending time with my friends eating brunch and dressing in pink,” said Kate Timon.
There is also a sense of nostalgia tied to the holiday, when it was less focused on couples. Valentine’s Day may remind some of their elementary school days, where they were high on sugar and shared Fun Dip during classes.
“I always had a positive response to Valentine’s Day because my family would write down one thing we love about each person and read it aloud to each other. I also loved making valentines for all my classmates in elementary school,” said Ingrid Hellesto.
At the end of the day, love is not limited to one 24-hour period.
“I really like Valentine’s Day. It is a reminder to show love to people you care about, not even in a romantic way. I think every day should be like Valentine’s Day; we should love each other,” said Alena Crouse.
“I agree,” said Zach Pinho. “I like that people chose a day to express love to one another. But there is sometimes a lot of pressure to do things in one day, when love can be spread throughout the year.”
No matter what you spent your holiday doing, whether it was staying at home binging romantic comedies, on a lovely date with your significant other, or eating brunch with your friends, it is important to show love to those that you care about, beyond just February 14th.