College and Valentine’s Day, a rather fanatical combination, I must say. The day retains within itself an aura of reverie, which is broken as soon as the sun of 14 February sets. Looking across the campus grounds, the presence of three sentiments prevailed; while some of those “pretentious” couples were pleasantly lost in their thoughts and in each other, some were particularly worried over getting the gifts that would please their significant other. However, the most obvious sentiments were the never-ending rants of us extremely broke individuals. 

In all honesty, most of you must agree on the fact that Valentine’s Day is probably the most cliched concept out there — a little too fanciful in design, and always riddled with grand romantic celebrations which often prove to be an ordeal to prepare for. From navigating the elite restaurants in town for a lavish dinner reservation to buying the most appealing presents you can find, this day portrays a rather whimsical image of itself. Seeing many of my friends complain about their significant other’s “once-a-year” attention and “half-hearted gifts”, I wonder if we have become so self-absorbed as a society that we have to set aside one day a year to remind a significant other that we really love them. 

With every meme on the internet making sure that single people feel extremely single on 14 February and people in relationships develop a fear of failing their loved ones expectations, Valentine’s Day doesn’t really present a very positive outlook to me. So I say screw Valentine’s Day, discounted chocolate is still not a thing. 

What does asking someone to be your Valentine even mean? I bet most of us don’t know, but it’s funny how we are all so quick to say YES because we’re so desirous of attention and validation. Yes, I might be talking about you here! According to me, Valentine’s Day isn’t that big a deal anyways. Much like Mother’s day, Father’s day, etc., Valentine’s Day is just another one to the list. However, the hype it generates proves to be excessive and immoderate in most situations. Gestures for your loved ones don’t really need a specific day and should not solely be a holiday that can prove to be more stressful than enjoyable.  

An arbitrary day in the middle of February proving itself to be an obligation for celebrating love has become a little too overrated of a concept. Still, I bid a happy (belated) Valentine’s Day to all the couples out there. May your love last forever (even though we all know more than half these high-school relationships will fall apart by next semester). And to all the single people out there, may your batteries last until you find someone really worth your time and energy.

Shamaim Nadeem
TLC Writer