Single and ready for self-love

BY MARYANN BRUSCHI Staff Writer

Stress, expectations and disappointment, these are some common feelings for single people on a day geared only toward couples.

In the time leading up to Valentine’s Day, single people tend to dismiss the holiday and act like they are anti-love. This is understandable though as the day has always just focused on couples, rather than on mental health and self-love.

A big reason for this added stress is the overwhelming pressure to be in a relationship, but why does the holiday have to be all about having a partner? The truth is, it doesn’t!

It is 2023 and time for a change, so whether you’re single or taken this year, it’s time to put yourself first. People always say there is nothing to do as a single person on this holiday but in reality, the possibilities are endless when you look at it as just another day to love yourself.

Here are some things that single people can do this Valentine’s Day:

First off, pamper yourself.

Whether that’s having a night in and ordering takeout, reading a new book in your coziest pajamas or putting on your favorite movie, do something that makes you feel good. Self-care is always a great option as well, put on a face mask and take a bath, or treat yourself to a nice massage

Spill the tea: How do students feel about Valentine’s Day?

BY NICOLETTE KALACHE Staff Writer

Azul Fuentes-Smith Second-year Communications major

“I think the holiday and the idea of it is fun. Personally, I’ve never felt too attached to it, whether I was in a relationship or not. It’s a nice reminder to appreciate your romantic partner in your life, but I don’t think it’s necessary.”

Elizabeth Solorzano

Third-year English Education major

“Valentine’s Day is great! Love is in the air, relationship-wise or friendship-wise. I love that it can be a day about love. I usually have work or school, but plan to celebrate on a later day when I’m free.”

Grace Lee Third-year Biology major

“Valentine’s Day is a special day, especially if you have someone to celebrate with. My girlfriend lives in Seattle, so we will be celebrating apart, but probably will FaceTime like we usually do” or mani-pedi.

Go to the store and buy yourself those gorgeous flowers that have been all over your feed this month, then go home and bake your favorite dessert. Your space will soon enough be filled with that warm, loving scent. You could even light a candle to make everything feel more like home.

Go out!

For my extroverts, have a night out on the town with your favorite single girls, guys and theys! If you’d rather stay to yourself, you could also go out on your own, maybe visit your favorite restaurant and indulge in your best comfort foods.

The movie theatre is also a perfect selflove solo date, sit back, relax and snack on all your favorite childhood candies.

You could also do nothing.

Believe it or not, there is nothing wrong with doing nothing on a holiday. Social media has created such a pressure to have this huge day planned and do all of these post-worthy things, but who is that really pleasing?

The truth is, a lot of those cute Instagram posts that you see are just highlight reels of someone’s day.

This year we need to shift gears and move on to doing what we truly want. Be intuitive and listen to yourself, whether you want to go out or stay in is your own decision.

Mental health and self love are so important, especially on days like Valentine’s Day. Focus this year on the things that make you as an individual happy, and feed your soul the way it deserves to be fed.

February’s biggest infomercial

When all of the candy is gone, does the love remain?

BY ANA SOPHIA PAPA Staff Writer

Valentine’s Day. The one day of the month that surrounds itself by love, longing and loyalty in a distracting and colorful fashion.

The overwhelming amount of pink and red decorations could fool anyone into thinking that this holiday is anything but a larger scheme being controlled by franchises and grocery stores across the globe.

When you’re being blinded by the sixfoot teddy bears, heart-shaped boxes and influx of candy, one could say it’s easy to get wrapped up in the idea of it all.

Although it is tempting to be seduced by the prospect that Valentine’s Day hasn’t transformed itself into one big commercial, the true nature lies elsewhere. At the end of the day, the festivities mold themselves right into the hands of businesses, both big and small.

In my experience, the holiday used to be something I looked forward to because it was so wholesome for me. Whether it be the flowers, the chocolates, the cards, I loved it all.

However, in the past several years, I’ve found that the initial compassion was lost somewhere along the line and I hold large corporations responsible for that. Because of their undying need to profit off of any holiday, they saw the opportunity for a