By LYNN YANG
Tiger Media Network
On February 14, many individuals and couples celebrated Valentine’s Day. Although it is now after February 14, the happy memories of Valentine’s Day are still recurring in some people’s minds.
Valentine’s Day is a holiday full of romantic atmosphere. If you have a secret crush, then this may be a day to show love. For those with partners, then this day may be immersed in the sweet, romantic atmosphere, walking hand in hand in the park, enjoying time together. If it is a couple who has been in a relationship for a long time, it is likely to create more wonderful memories on this special day. If you are a single person, the day may have different emotions and experiences.
No matter what age people are, whether they are single or in love, this day has different meanings for everyone; however, everyone can feel the beauty of loving and being loved on this day.
The community of Fort Hays State and Hays saw a number of people celebrate Valentine’s Day. College students, faculty and staff alike all shared in the day in various ways. They come from different countries; some are couples, some are single, and some are in long-distance relationships.
Valentine’s Day is still seen as an important day for people who are already in love. If they are lovers who get along in the same space, most of them choose to have a meal with each other, give gifts to each other, create some memories together on this day, and spend the time of this day together.
Estelle, a Chinese student, is studying abroad at Fort Hays University with her partner. She was a very ritualistic person. On this day, they send gifts that they have chosen for each other for a long time, express their hearts to each other, and spend the day together.
Reba Mader watched a movie with her partner, ate dinner together, and exchanged Valentine’s Day gifts together.
“Valentine’s Day is an important day for me to show appreciation to the people you love,” she said.
“I had a meal with my lover. The most important thing for me on Valentine’s Day is expressing love,” said Anonymous A. “On this day, although I do not have any special activities, my dad always sends me my favorite cookies from home.”
“I had dinner with my [partner] yesterday, watched a movie, and gave gifts to each other. The most important thing on this day is love,” Lizbeth Cedillo said.
Anonymous B said: “Valentine’s Day for me is about spending time together and focusing on each other. Having a day that you dedicate to your partner to show them appreciation is important even on days other than Valentine’s Day. We usually exchange gifts then we swap who makes dinner every year.”
If it’s a long-distance relationship, two different things happen. Some long-distance couples will surprise the other person by secretly going to the city of their lover to spend the day with them.
Anonymous C, told me about the surprise her boyfriend had secretly created for her.
“I was surprised by my boyfriend since I didn’t think I would get to see him,” they said.
For long-distance relationships that can’t get together, they express their love through video calls and text messages.
“Valentine’s Day to me is expressing my unconditional love,” said Javyn Contreras. He could not be with his partner on this day. “I used to buy flowers and candy for my lady on Valentine’s Day. Since it was a long distance, this time, I expressed my love to her through Phone calls.”
When asked, “What do you think Valentine’s Day means to single people?” some of them thought the day was sad for them. Some people feel that this day is a day to express their love to their family members, and some people feel that this day will also serve as a motivation for single people to find a partner.
“It can be a way for them to express love to their friends and family,” Mader said.
“For single people it might be a day to spend with friends that you love or focusing on loving yourself,” Lauren said.
So, for single people, how does the day go? Most people see Valentine’s Day as an ordinary day with no special celebrations. They choose to go on with their daily routine: finishing unfinished homework, revising for upcoming exams, watching a movie or reading in their spare time.
“Valentine’s Day is Either just another day, or a day to embrace being single and living their own life,” Emily Nitz said.
“I don’t celebrate Valentine’s Day. I did my homework and assignments then fell asleep,” said Kate. “Valentine’s Day for me can get some candy. My previous Valentine’s Day activities were usually just eating chocolates or watching anime.”
“I didn’t celebrate Valentine’s Day; yesterday I stayed at home, read Wattpad One Direction fan fiction,” Jersey Garoutte said, who enjoys the freedom of being single. “Valentine’s Day for me is to remember to always love yourself. Cherishing your friendships and alone time, learning to love yourself without the value placed by a significant other.”
“Valentine’s Day to me is just another day,” said Rachel Harman. “Yesterday I went to work then had margaritas at a restaurant.”
“I don’t celebrate Valentine’s Day. I slept, ate and watched Netflix yesterday and enjoyed my single freedom,” Joanna Cedillo said. “Valentine’s Day for me is spending time with myself and cherishing myself.”
Some people plan special events for themselves and have a meal with their friends.
“I had a meal with my friends yesterday. I don’t really care about Valentine’s Day. I think the most important thing on Valentine’s Day is to take time to treat your partner well. But this day always reminds me that I am still single,” John said.
Some people think that Valentine’s Day is exciting. Even if they are single, they may as well celebrate this festival. They choose to spend the day with their family or friends.
When festivals of different cultures collide, one single person chooses to abandon Valentine’s Day and embrace another holiday.
Jeffrey, a Chinese student, said he chose that day to worship the God of Wealth.
“I know yesterday was Valentine’s Day, but it also happened to be the fifth day of the Chinese New Year, according to Chinese custom to worship the God of Wealth,” he said. “So that day, in addition to playing games and working out, I also worshipped the Chinese God of Wealth. Between love and wealth, I choose wealth. I hope I can get more money next year.”
But some of them hate this day. They choose to get away from the hustle and bustle of Valentine’s Day, and find their own comfortable way to spend the day.
“I don’t celebrate Valentine’s Day. On this day I sleep, play games and hide from people,” Chase said. “The most important thing about Valentine’s Day is showing love for the others. But I hate this day, and for single people like me, I feel like it’s a day to show everyone you’re alone.”
Valentine’s Day means different things to different people. As an individual, each person’s view and experience of Valentine’s Day is unique and personal. In 2024, Valentine’s Day is still a meaningful day, which not only represents love and romance, but also reminds us to cherish and appreciate the people around us. Whether it’s spending quality time with a loved one, with family and friends, or alone. Valentine’s Day is an opportunity to share love, not only between couples, but also between friendships, family members, and for yourself.