Valentine’s Day has traditionally been advertised as a day dedicated to love and affection, a time when people pause to show how much they care. It’s about the kind words, thoughtful gestures, and moments shared with the people who matter most. Even though it’s often surrounded by cards, flowers, and chocolate, Valentine’s Day is simply a reminder to express love in genuine meaningful ways.
Sophomore Jazzlyn Romero believes the holiday is a meaningful opportunity to show appreciation for someone you care about. She shares, “I’m not sure what I have planned for the day yet, but I’ll eventually come up with something to do with my partner.” Romero finds the most joy by this day by being with her partner and spending quality time. When others post Valentine’s gifts on social media, Romero feels as if it gives her ideas and creates cheerful emotions. “ I feel happy for the other people, and it sparks ideas for when I want to do that for my partner,” she states.
Senior Sadie Irish feels that Valentine’s Day is a day full of excitement with friends. She states, “ I get to be a part of all the Galentine’s parties with my friends.” Irish feels that the difference between Valentine’s and a regular day is full of parties and happy moods. “ I feel like people are in happy moods, especially when they are around their friends and even their significant others”, Irish states. Irish feels a mix of moods, like happiness and sadness. She states, “ I feel very happy because I am surrounded by people I love, but also slightly sad because I am not around the one person that I would want to be around.” Regardless of this, Irish feels happy for others that she sees on social media. “ It brings me joy seeing others so happy and getting nice gifts”, she states.
Although Valentine’s Day is filled with a day of love, not everyone experiences the joys of Valentine’s Day. Substitute Teacher, Ellie Aguirre, does not experience the joys of Valentine’s Day like everyone else. “I hate it, I have no honey, and it has not been the same since he died,” she states. Aguirre believes that the overall mood for the day is different and that it is no longer the same as it used to be. However, Aguirre has found others to spend her Valentine’s with since then. When asking how Aguirre now spends her Valentine’s Day, she states, “I spend it with other retired teachers like myself who are also widows by going to dinner and just spending time.” Aguirre says they still have fun, but the absence of romance and love lingers.
Valentine’s Day means something different to everyone. For some, it is a happy celebration filled with dates, flowers, and time spent with a loved one. For others, it can bring mixed emotions or memories of what once was. Still, even in those moments, the day offers a chance for connection, whether that is through friendship, shared stories, or simply not being alone. Valentine’s Day is not just about romance—it is about love in all its forms and the ways people choose to share it.
