Valentine’s Day might just be the most contentious holiday out there—love it or hate it, the holiday is impossible to ignore; vibrant pink and red hearts decorate every corner of the shops and buildings in Ithaca. When February 14 finally rolls around, a number of people make their appearance, all with differing opinions and stances on Valentine’s Day. To help students prepare (or brace themselves) for the upcoming holiday, we have compiled a list of the types of people you may encounter or relate to on Valentine’s Day. If you find that you fit into one of these categories, consider taking our advice. After all, we are Valentine’s experts.
The Galentines
Coco: Being this person is the most enjoyable way to celebrate—none of the stress and drama of trying to pick out your significant other the perfect box of candies or the right color flower. Just you, your friends, and hopefully some fancy chocolate that you got on a discount the day after Valentine’s Day.
Mia: The most fun way to go about this day. Why get just one box of chocolate, when you can get tons from your friends? Use this day to treat yourselves, watch some heart-throbbers, and have a blast because Galentine’s is Valentine’s.
The Couple
Coco: Be it a new or an old couple, Valentine’s Day tends to come with a certain set of expectations. Right around now, you’re probably asking your exasperated (and single) friends for advice on what sort of flowers to buy. And hey—there’s nothing wrong with that. Enjoy your highschool romance and overpriced chocolates.
Mia: The couples are why this day exists. Have fun on your little dates, gift exchanges, or whatever you do to celebrate—this day is dedicated to you.
The “Just Dumped” Sulker
Coco: That’s tough. But there’s nothing more embarrassing than brooding on such a happy day. You should take a page from our book and have a fun little celebration with your friends.
Mia: Sorry for your situation. This day could go a couple of ways: take the day to meditate and find inner peace with yourself during this difficult time or, spend the money you would’ve spent on your ex-partner on yourself, because this day is better without them anyway.
The “Single” Sulker
Coco: You probably scoff at all the pink decorations that stores started putting up way back in January and grouch about how unnecessary this holiday is. I know your bitter feelings come from the fact that you’re single, but really, there’s nothing wrong with being single—trust me, I’m the ultimate authority on the matter. Now you don’t have to spend money buying flowers for anybody! Or worry about getting the wrong stuffed animal! You get to have a normal, and stress free day.
Mia: Don’t worry, many of us are in the same boat. The time will come, but don’t spend this day in pity! Be your own valentine—buy some flowers and ship them to your front door for a “surprise,” grab the last heart-shaped box of chocolates at Target, go to the park and skip joyfully past all the couples holding hands because you just need yourself to make this day great.
The “It’s Just Another Day”
Coco: To many of us, Valentine’s Day feels like just another ordinary day. Instead of trying to convince you of the importance of love and chocolate, let me propose two possible ways to make the day a little more interesting. The first and my personal favorite: fake love notes. Write anonymous notes on scraps of paper and leave them sprinkled around the desks. Sow a little chaos! If you want a more tame activity, you could settle for walking around your local supermarket to watch everyone who forgot to buy flowers and chocolate scramble.
Mia: I get it, it’s the middle of the week, we’re still at school, people are still going to work, and everything goes on as planned. It’s hard to enjoy the day when everything else still runs as usual. Maybe this is a sign that we should get the day off…
