Amanda Hoffer | Staff Writer

2/15/02

I realize this is going to sound awful, but I hate Valentine's Day. Now before you think I hate it because I'm single and bitter let me tell you, you're half right. But I don't just hate because I'm single. I'd probably hate it if I were in a relationship.

First for all you happy relationship people out there, you can't lie. Valentine's Day is quite possibly one of the biggest relationship and wallet strains. Many people go all out on this day and end up with the credit card bills to prove it. I know we live in a materialistic society and I'm all for that. Hell, I'm an advertising major. But destroying your credit rating to get your loved one something special is ridiculous. Then there is the added stress that your supposed to show your loved one how much you care and make the day special.

Okay, for one, if you love someone show them how much you love them EVERYDAY, not just V-day. And about the day being special, don't pressure yourself or your loved one, you might just be disappointed if things don't live up to your high expections.

Now for all the single people out there. If you're like me, chronically single, then Valentine's Day is the one day out of the year that society tries to make you feel like a total social misfit for not having someone. Like all those ads out there right now for Match.com and the like. "Don't have anyone? Find someone in time for Valentine's Day." I want to vomit everytime I see that. And then there are strangers asking you how your spending V-day, which goes a little something like this. "How are you spending Valentine's Day?" Sitting at home watching TV. "Why? Isn't your boyfriend taking you out?" I don't have a boyfriend. "Oh." I hate that "oh." It's that pity-filled one. I don't need your pity, I have self-pity, thanks anyway. Then some people have the nerve to ask "Why?". If I knew why I wouldn't be single, now would I? One question: what is wrong with being single? If you can answer that, hell, I'll give you a cookie.