Marie Collop, Campus Carrier Assistant Sports Editor
Like most religiously unaffiliated holidays, Valentine’s Day has transformed into a day made for commercialism and capitalism. Every year, on Feb. 14, people are either reminded that they are single, or obligated to feel particularly romantic with their “special someone.” The history of the holiday is ambiguous, which makes it that much less significant.
If you’re single on Valentine’s Day, everything is just a constant reminder that you are just that, single. Unless, of course, you resort to having your mother or best friend as your valentine, which we all know just isn’t the same. At least if you’re single on the holiday you can stand to ignore it and treat it for all that it is, just another day.
If you’re in a romantic relationship on Valentine’s Day, you are constantly reminded that you should be treating your boyfriend or girlfriend exceptionally special. The day is set up for disappointment. Often times, couples end up fighting on Valentine’s Day because of, well…Valentine’s Day. The expectation for your sweetheart to do something spectacular for you then falling short is a characteristic common to most couples. Not only does Valentine’s Day set up for fallen short expectations, it also gives couples the opportunity to mask the problems that they have in their relationship.
When a holiday isn’t all it’s lived up to be, it creates this catch-22 phenomenon.
Like a lot of events in the United States, Valentine’s Day is another ploy for companies like Hallmark and Russell Stover to make money. Because of the strong societal pressure to succumb to special treatment, the companies end up making out pretty well. If you are indeed in a romantic relationship, you shouldn’t need a special holiday to commemorate your affection. Valentine’s Day is the one day in which there is a cost placed on your romance.
The history of Valentine’s Day is arguably the most unclear of all the non-religious holidays. There is word of Cupid and St. Valentine, but does anyone know the true story behind these characters? The day may have started out with honorable intentions but has become useless.
Perhaps the most disappointing aspect of Valentine’s Day is that you’re expected to show extreme affection for just those who you’re romantically involved with. For most people in college, the closest people in your life and the ones you love the most are your family and friends. Valentine’s Day shouldn’t be a day limited to just those in a relationship, but open to anyone who loves someone in any sense of the word.
In theory, Valentine’s Day is a good idea. The day has become set up for disappointment for single people and couples alike. In the end, the day mostly benefits the companies that see it as their biggest money maker.