Valentine’s Day. Some love it for its romance and sentimentality, while others dismiss it as a corporate scheme built on overpriced flowers and chocolates. This year’s Valentine’s Day was no different. Even two weeks later, some students still ponder what the day meant – or didn’t mean – for them. This lingering impact, however, often depends on the state of a person’s relationships.
For those in committed relationships, Valentine’s Day can be the perfect excuse to spend intentional time together and celebrate their partner. Those who may spend the holiday alone, on the other hand, often find February 14th a nuisance due to the constant reminders of what they may feel they are missing.
As expected, when asking around for USC students’ experiences on this year’s Valentine’s Day, we got mixed reactions.
One student in a committed long-distance relationship was able to visit her boyfriend in another state. She explained that she did not feel much pressure to make the day special, explaining that she was “just really thankful I get to see him and spend time with him.” For this freshman, Valentine’s was less about meeting expectations and more about appreciating time together, especially given the distance that usually separates them.
Another student who is currently single described a different experience, saying that seeing everyone’s social media posts made her feel slightly deflated, as she felt like she was being “left out of something that everyone else has experienced.” She noted that seeing couples post flowers, chocolates and gifts reminded her that she was celebrating the holiday alone.
The individuals who seemed to have found the holiday the most stressful were those in relationships without labels. Without clear expectations, Valentine’s Day can raise quiet questions about whether the relationship should be acknowledged and what that acknowledgment might mean. One student in an undefined relationship explained that she wasn’t sure what to expect since they did not have a label and she didn’t want to get her hopes up. However, “when he got me a small gift, it actually clarified things and made me realize I do like him.” The gesture, albeit small, gave her clarity, as it indicated that the relationship was heading in the right direction.
Two weeks after Valentine’s Day 2026, the holiday itself has passed, but its impact on relationships lingers. Though Valentine’s Day lasts only one day, for many students, what it reveals about their relationships endures far beyond February 14.