Romantic day exudes cheese instead of love

By KELLY HARAMIS
Collegian Arts Writer

Valentine's Day is traditionally considered a day of romance, but sometimes at this time of year, Cupid's arrow can cause heartache instead of triggering love. And the red and pink decorations, heart-shaped boxes of chocolate and the word L-O-V-E displayed in many store windows are turning some stomachs.

Card stores are stocked with cards of all sizes for every type of valentine -- from friendly ones for family members to passionate greetings for the person one secretly admires. But some people think the whole holiday is a scam.

"It's not a real holiday," said Donley Hechler (sophomore-geography). "It's more for card companies." He added that the holiday is blown out of proportion and the stores were decorated way too early.

But even the decorations that popped up just days after Christmas may have not been up early enough for some students, who get tense when deciding whether to buy a dozen roses or a bag of conversation hearts.

"It's more stressful than it is fun," said Jessica Shea (senior-journalism). Shea worries she'll spend too little or too much on her boyfriend's Valentine's Day present and whether she will even receive a gift.

Of the many who hate this day, those who are single and without a mate probably find this holiday to be depressing. For some it can even provoke feelings of hate -- especially if no flowers or perfume are expected.

Katie Kuzemka (freshman-finance and international business) is one student who has always despised what she considers an "overrated day."

"I think it's a cheesy holiday and if you don't have someone and you're not going to get a valentine, there's nothing to look forward to," she said.

But some don't even want someone to be their "valentine," and would rather avoid this rapturous day altogether.

"There's real holidays and then there's this one -- it's made up," said Paul Hershey (freshman-communications). He added that he not only hates Valentine's Day, but thinks it is a "waste."

However, there are some that do not feel this way, and actually enjoy and look forward to the amorous holiday. There are those who are dedicated to their significant others and enjoy giving and receiving jewelry and chocolate.

Aurea Reyes (freshman-administration of justice) adores Valentine's Day and thinks it is "sweet" to spend time with her boyfriend.

"It is a day every couple celebrates together," Reyes said.

Even Matt Malloy (senior-turfgrass science) who is single looks forward to this sentimental day.

"I love it," he said.