“Valentine’s Day 2009 was the best one I’ve had thus far. My boyfriend, who I’ve now been with for 4+ years, goes to school in Connecticut, so we’re used to being a few hours apart and typically only see each other on weekends. That Valentine’s Day was the first we could spend together because it fell on a Saturday, but there was a catch: He was an RA, and it was a duty weekend. You’d think that would be a total bummer, but it was the best thing that could have happened. We spent a low-key night eating cheap Thai take-out, watching movies in bed, and talking into the night. I felt more appreciated that Valentine’s Day than I could have with any expensive dinner or piece of jewelry.”
– Shana Wickett, 2011
“When I was fourteen, I fell obsessively in lust with a boy three years my senior. Prior to Valentine’s Day, our relationship had consisted mostly of one-sided flirtations and awkward, PG-13 make-out sessions. Once Valentine’s Day rolled around, however, he finally reciprocated some of the feelings that I had been wearing on my sleeve for the past two months. He made a scavenger hunt for me, putting clues and little notes on pink construction paper all around the school. I spent all day running up and down staircases, breaking into lockers, and climbing under desks. I was playing his game, but I felt special and loved. At the end of the scavenger hunt, I received chocolate, roses, and an invitation to dinner and a movie that night. Two weeks later, he kissed another girl in front of me, but I will always remember the bliss I felt when I was running around, chasing pink slips of paper and a boy who didn’t feel the same way.”
– Michelle King, 2013
“It was my senior year in high school and the first year I actually had someone to be my Valentine, a friend of mine I’d been ‘dating’ for two months. When Valentine’s Day rolled around, I went to school, but yet he didn’t show up. When the day was over, I went home expecting him to call, text, something, but alas, there was nothing. From what I’ve been told, my ‘boyfriend’ had locked his phone in his friend’s car and couldn’t get it out. He was also ‘sick’ that day. Needless to say, we broke up a few weeks later.”
– Lorena Mora, 2012
“I have yet to share, until this year, a Valentine’s Day with a ‘someone special.’ However, that doesn’t mean I’ve been a hater of the holiday or succumbed into loneliness while others have been out enjoying the romantic aura. Actually, my favorite Valentine’s Day memory was when I was a waitress serving dozens of couples struck by Cupid’s arrow. The restaurant I worked for was known for its romantic atmosphere and even had a section in the restaurant called ‘Lover’s Lane.’ Valentine’s Day was the biggest day of the year for us, with reservations filled up two weeks in advance and hundreds of roses pre-ordered for the occasion. Although the day could have easily been depressing, I really enjoyed serving the couples who seemed so genuinely in love and happy. There were younger couples and then the cute older couples, who had been together 50-something years, were high school sweethearts, and knew from the moment they met they were supposed to be together. This particular Valentine’s Day was one I will never forget, because it put me in a setting where I was surrounded by love and laughter. It gave me hope that one day I’ll find my soul mate, and also reminded me there’s no rush. So, just enjoy each Valentine’s Day with wherever you’re at in love, life, and relationships.”
– Marissa Ericson, 2012
“I couldn’t wait for my first Valentine’s Day with an official boyfriend. After carefully considering every gift option, I decided to make him a Build-A-Bear. Since we had only been dating a few months, I didn’t want to get him anything too serious, and I thought a custom teddy bear was the perfect token of affection. I was sure I’d won the originality contest (yes, looking back I’m aware of how ridiculous that sounds) and my friends confirmed that my idea was brilliant. They also added that I would love what he was getting me! When it came time to exchange gifts, I was bursting excitement and insisted on giving him my gift first. But when I handed over the unmistakably recognizable Build-A-Bear gift box, all he said was “oh @$%!” and started laughing hysterically. He reached behind his back and gave me my present- the exact same teddy bear.”
-Nikki Fig, 2011
And, for me? Well, it was sixth grade and I had this huge crush on a guy we’ll call Ryan. When I got to school, I miraculously found a box of chocolates and note on my desk saying, “Happy Valentine’s Day” signed by none other than him. I nearly screamed and couldn’t wait for recess when I could make our little kid love official. When I later saw him by the monkey bars I approached and said, “Thanks so much for the chocolates, Nathan.” His response? “Those weren’t from me. What are you, some creep? Did you write yourself a note and buy yourself chocolates?” I was mortified and ran to the bathroom crying. Posed as Nathan was a girl in my class who was mad I hadn’t chosen her as my partner for a group project. But, there was a beauty behind it all. By the end of the year, this girl lost all of her friends, and now that I’m older and have grown into my six-foot frame, I’ve been able to go home and turn Ryan down after he’s approached me at bars.
Happy Valentine’s Day, everyone!