For those in a relationship during this time of the year, Valentine’s Day is most likely highly anticipated. To show their love for their significant other, there will be purchases of chocolates, teddy bears and roses of all sorts. However, not everyone has someone specific to spend this day with, and many may resort to being with their friends or family. Depending on the circumstance, Valentine’s Day has the potential to discourage those who may not have a significant other, or who simply just don’t have the same excitement for Feb. 14 as they used to when they were younger.

Some LSE students feel that as they get older, Valentine’s Day has become a lot less anticipated. Reminiscent of the elementary school traditions celebrating this day, students recall class parties including Valentines given to classmates and friends with little candy hearts taped to cards that read “To” and “From” with a name written next to each word. These traditions only last for so long though, and usually fade out as you grow older. For example, sophomore Kennedy Bahm remembers having these class parties and receiving Valentine’s gifts from her parents, but finds that the concept of Valentine’s day has changed from what she considered it to be when she was younger.

“Once you got into middle school and high school [Valentine’s Day] was all relationship-based. I’m single, so it’s a little different,” Bahm said. “I don’t dislike Valentine’s Day, but it’s not my favorite holiday.”

Being single does not determine anyone spending this day of love by themselves. Bahm enjoys hanging out with friends for this day, even if this year most of her friends have significant others. Spending Valentine’s Day with friends and family is always an option, and giving gifts is definitely never off the table. According to an online anonymous poll of 211 LSE students, 72.9% enjoy giving Valentine’s presents to their loved ones. Some commonly used gift ideas include the classics such as candies–usually chocolate–stuffed animals and flowers–roses are the most common. 

Bahm has a part-time job at Party America and has had a major number of customers come in to purchase heart-shaped balloons for their partners or loved ones. The selling out of these balloons happens fast with Bahm describing them as a “big hit.” She also has a love for knitting and often incorporates that skill into her Valentine’s Day gifts as a more considerate present.

Thoughtful gifts are almost guaranteed to be heavily appreciated, and this is a frequently used idea among friends. 

Freshman Emry Caudy recalls some past gifts she has given to friends and finds that hand-made gifts are viewed as the most meaningful.

“I mostly like to give crafts, just fun little simple stuff that is home-made. Sometimes I make cards or little paper hearts,” Caudy said. “I’ve been given chocolate and a [teddy] bear. That’s what I mean, something sweet.”

It is easy to get caught up in the feeling of loneliness around Valentine’s Day when others are showing off their love for one another, but it is important to remember that you do not need a significant other to show your love to. Gifting heart-shaped chocolates and stuffed animals is not reserved only for a partner, but for anyone who you want to feel loved by you.