The long lines and little elbow room in local card stores over the past few days could be a sign --students are not relying on Cupid alone for a successful Valentine's Day.

University students have been busily perusing the rows of poetry and punchlines, but for those who are waiting until later today, Jim Schiavo, co-owner of Truly Yours, 250 E. Beaver Ave., said the busiest time for card shopping is at the last minute.

Schiavo said that as long as there is someone at his store on Valentine's Day, he will keep it open -- regardless of the time.

Although the selection of cards may be sparse on Valentine's Day, the stores still attempted to offer a variety.

"They're funny. They're really cute," said Stephanie Goldberg (sophomore-communications), a cashier at Wild Card, 346 E. College Ave. But she added that she thinks students hesitate to buy cards for someone they like.

But Steve Legnine (junior-business logistics) said he knew what he wanted -- "Something with a little comic -- on the light side."

Stephanie Mauceri (junior-leisure studies), an employee at Laurel Hallmark, 114 E. College Ave., said serious cards are still popular this year with people purchasing cards for a "significant other."

Blank cards allow senders to express just how they feel to that special someone, but a lot of people don't want to have to think of what to say, Mauceri said.

But Mary Jane Schiavo, co-owner of Truly Yours, said, "I see more and more people buying blank cards. They are more interesting than they used to be."

Most students' shopping approach for Valentine's Day cards seems to reflect the brief technique of Tim Sexton (junior-general arts and sciences). He said he spends about 10 to 15 minutes looking for his cards.

Students like Ryan Howe (freshman-dairy and animal science) have a similar problem. Although these students may enjoy creating their own, personalized valentines, Howe said, "I don't have time."