Some singles rejoice, others despise Valentine’s Day

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Hallmark cards, boxes of chocolate, balloons and hearts are a sign it’s that time of year again — Valentine’s Day has arrived.

Many single students dread the infamous Feb. 14.

“It kind of sucks being single on Valentine’s Day,” said Troy sophomore Kenny Mero. “It sucks seeing everyone going out to dinner with their girlfriends, and seeing all the commercials and stuff.”

Some think the term “Singles Awareness Day” is a more appropriate moniker.

“I’m not particularly a fan of the holiday,” said Matt Balmes, also a Troy sophomore. “It’s almost a smack in the face to single people.”

Many people use the opportunity to show their friends and family how much they love and appreciate them instead of reserving the holiday for couples.

According to a study by the National Retail Federation, Americans will spend more money on kids, family, friends and co-workers than the significant others in their lives. It found average consumers will spend about $77 on their loved ones versus a total of about $98 on other important people in their lives this year.

Sociology Professor Gary Miller has a different idea of what to distribute to friends, family and significant others today.

“Kindergartners have it right,” Miller said. “They give Valentine cards to everyone in their class and have a party. We should follow their example.”

Many single students spend time together on Valentine’s Day to feel less alone.

“It’s great because you get to get really drunk with all your other single friends,” said Hartland junior Jeff Miller.

Some single students are not bothered by the holiday, and instead celebrate the freedom of not being tied down to anyone or having any responsibilities or expectations to live up to.

“It actually feels great knowing that I don’t have to take anyone to eat or buy them anything,” Brighton sophomore Kevin Zaborowski said.

Daniel Pugh recalled several solitary Februaries.

Patience eventually paid off for Pugh, an instructor of sociology, anthropology and social work.

“I went through many Valentine’s Days alone,” he said, “but it was okay because eventually I met someone I love.”