High Point University

Is Valentine’s Day overrated or is it still worth celebrating?

By Ally Ortolani // Staff Writer

 

You either love it or hate it. Whether you’re in a relationship or not, most people tend to believe that Valentine’s Day is overrated. I don’t agree with this at all. I love Valentine’s Day. I like to consider myself a hopeless romantic, and I especially am a sucker for romantic comedies. Who doesn’t love “The Notebook?” I mean, can you really consider yourself a Nicholas Sparks fan if you don’t like “The Notebook?”

Valentine’s Day doesn’t necessarily have to pertain to a romantic partner. As a child and even now, my mother makes gift baskets for me and my brother with chocolates and tiny gifts. Maybe this year, do something similar for your family. Valentine’s Day cards or gifts are a way of saying that you care about that person. Perhaps my opinion is biased, but despite having a long-distance boyfriend, I look forward to Valentine’s Day every year.

I have learned that being in a long-distance relationship has its difficulties. Whether I am texting or calling my boyfriend, it is one of the small ways I can show that I love and care about him. My boyfriend, Luke, goes to Vanderbilt University, and with both of our hectic schedules, we try to find as much time as possible to show how much we appreciate one another. I don’t have to buy expensive presents to show him that I care, and neither of us expects it. We are both on tight budgets as college students, and we shouldn’t expect extravagant gestures or presents.

I feel as if those who aren’t in a relationship tend to be the ones who think negatively about Valentine’s Day. Just because your point of view differs from another person’s, doesn’t mean you can ruin it for everyone else. Valentine’s Day is about love and appreciation for the people who you love. Telling your loved ones that you care about them can go a lot farther than one would think. Even just by sending your mother or father a Valentine’s Day card that cost $3 at Walgreens will make their day more than a text or call. That extra effort shows that you truly care about them.

Perhaps my opinion is biased, but I plan on celebrating the rekindling of my relationship with my boyfriend this Valentine’s Day. I first began dating my current boyfriend four years ago, and after we broke up, we hardly spoke for the next four years. Now, as a freshman in college, we both somehow found our way back to each other. It’s not as glamorous as it sounds. He messaged me one night at 3 a.m., and the rest is history. Needless to say, I think it’s worth celebrating something that I never thought would happen again.

Whether you are a fan of this lovey-dovey holiday or you would rather spend your night watching the movie “I Hate Valentine’s Day,” You don’t have to do anything outrageous. It’s the little things in life that mean the most. There are so many places to buy flowers around High Point that it isn’t hard to treat the girl you’ve been with for while to some beautiful roses. They really only cost close to $5 at some grocery stores like Harris Teeter. What do guys tend to like? Anything that involves food. One of the best ways to show some love on Valentine’s Day to your guy is by giving him something as simply as the gift of his favorite candy.

A romantic date can be anything from a delicious dinner at 1924 Prime Steakhouse on campus or simply watching your favorite TV show in your pajamas with your significant other. Even though my boyfriend and I are long distance, I plan to celebrate Valentine’s Day by celebrating the love in all relationships, whether that be romantic, family or friendship. A lot of people may think this holiday is overrated and not worth the time and effort that the consumer world makes it out to be. However, I differ in my opinion. I think it is a holiday worth celebrating.