Valentine’s Day is approaching, and it can go a few different ways. You’re either single, or you’re not. Depending on the status of the ‘not’ part, this particular holiday can be the toughest of them all. I’m here to share my comical/awkward/annoying Valentine’s Day experiences (hopefully my exs don’t read my articles…), in hopes you’ll learn a thing or two, leading to a successful holiday.
High School: Valentine’s Day is awkward because of the sole fact that you’re in high school. It’s like you really shouldn’t be celebrating it because you’re young and corny, but you have to acknowledge it. My first boyfriend gave me two hamsters who sang “I Got You Babe” to each other, which was mortifying. It could have been worse, since this was the same guy who had his rock-slinger handy at all times and puked in the cafeteria’s trashcan as the result of a soda-drinking competition.
Freshmen Year: I was given a yellow rose (purchased from the Mason bookstore), and that is it. I had only been dating the guy for about a month, but we had been “talking” for a month before that. I feel like I deserved more than a rose that represents friendship. Am I the only person who knows what rose colors represent?! Also, I was given the rose outside, which was embarrassing of course, and then I had to walk around with it as people cooed. It’s a single rose, people! The same guy gave me a DVD of P.S. I Love You (there was no hidden meaning behind this) for my birthday, so some people just don’t get it (it as in the do’s and don’t’s of gifts and maybe life, as well…).
Sophomore Year: I was in the same situation I was freshmen year, except with a different guy. Freshmen Year Guy was a winner compared to this one! This guy completely did not acknowledge the holiday. Besides the fact that it’s just incredibly weird, it was made especially awkward for two reasons. One: We were both in a Valentine’s Day video that his friend was making for his girlfriend (he ended up showing it in one of her classes, which embarrassing and cute times a million). Therefore, the day was mentioned numerous times. Two: I was sitting in the JC with him on Valentine’s Day when someone asked how we were celebrating. Don’t blame me for not remembering what either of us could have possibly said. Later on, I was eating my Taco Bell Crunchwrap Supreme (I deserved it), when he asked to hang out with still no mention of the elephant in the room. Because I was stupid, I probably said yes, but pretend I didn’t. We stopped talking very shortly after this rediculous situation.
Junior Year: This was the best Valentine’s Day I’ve had. Not only did I receive a unicorn pillow pet (I had previously mentioned I’d always wanted one) and a box of chocolates, but he also brought me a Crunchwrap Supreme to play off the year before. If that wasn’t enough, he bought my roomies a toaster, but that was probably a secret gift for himself…oh well. We had only met a couple weeks before, so the day could have gone badly because gifts are terribly awkward that early in a relationship. It didn’t, though. I baked him some cupcakes, because what else are you supposed to give a guy for a romantic holiday (besides the 4 foot long stuffed dog my friends talked me out of purchasing)? Side note: I also received a text from the Hard-To-Get Guy wishing me a happy Valentine’s Day; like was that supposed to be nice or…?
This Year: Since Pillow Pet Man is now my boyfriend, it’s bound to be good. You really can’t beat a pillow pet, though, so we’ll see. I’m pretty sure there won’t be any Taco Bell this year, though, which may or may not be disappointing. Valentine’s Day is also on a Friday, so beware–you don’t want to have a fabulous date and then ruin it with a drunken argument.
Happy Valentine’s Day collegiettes, and good luck!