What do University of Washington students associate with Valentine’s Day? How do they feel about it?
I asked UW students these two questions, and got some surprising answers and some not. There’s the typical things people associate with this day dedicated to romance: chocolates, roses, love, hearts. But then there are the deeper associations that come with Valentine’s Day each year: being single (happily or not), reminders of a rough breakup, loneliness, the domination of capitalism, and “ur mom.”
That last one is a little less serious, but the rest pose uncomfortable questions for many young adults. Will I find love? Will I get ever get over (insert your toxic ex’s name here)? Do I really need a commercialized holiday to celebrate the love in my life?
Valentine’s Day is both celebrated and disdained. A lot of people, including myself (sometimes), find it difficult to get excited about the holiday when they don’t have a significant other to spend it with. To quote some students’ feelings towards the day:
“Overhyped! It sucks”
“It’s mid”
“Neutral; I don’t have a partner so I don’t think about Valentine’s Day at all”
On the other hand, those who celebrate Valentine’s Day are choosing to appreciate the love in their life–whether it be romantic or platonic. Valentine’s, Galentine’s, and Palentine’s all celebrate relationships in different ways!
Here’s what they had to say:
“I think it’s cute. If you’re in a relationship, it’s fun. If you are single and get drunk with your friends, it’s also fun. A good excuse to spend time with people you love!”
“so happy we have it. even tho i don’t got mans my friends make it better”
“I think commercially it is overhyped, but when you do something small, intimate, and personal for your partner/person, it’s wonderful”
“It’s chill. Go Cupid!”
So, UW students’ associations with Valentine’s Day go both ways – yes, it can suck without someone to spend it with, but it can also be a reason to appreciate the people you have in your life who make you feel loved! Happy Valentine’s Day Huskies, to those with lovers and those without ;).