It’s the season of candy hearts, flowers and oversized stuffed animals.
Valentine’s Day is tomorrow, and couples will be showing their affection in a variety of ways. Dimly lit restaurants will be packed for romantic dinners, Reese’s Peanut Butter Hearts will be exchanged and movie theaters will be packed for the highly anticipated release of Fifty Shades of Grey.
Valentine’s Day originated in the Catholic Church. Roman Emperor Claudius II declared that men made better soldiers than husbands, and he outlawed marriage for young men. St. Valentine defied Claudius and continued to secretly perform marriages for young couples, according to History.com.
Almost 2,000 years later, students at St. Bonaventure University are excited to celebrate the holiday with their significant others.
Luc Pizzone, a freshman undecided business major, expressed his feelings about this romantic holiday.
“Unfortunately, I won’t be able to spend Valentine’s Day with my girlfriend.”
Pizzone plays on the club hockey team, which will be away at Binghamton for a game.
“This is the first Valentine’s Day that I have a girlfriend, and I won’t be able to see her, so it’s kind of an unfortunate situation,” Pizzone said.
Pizzone acknowledged that Valentine’s Day has a large commercial aspect but admits it’s a nice excuse to celebrate.
“Even though guys should always treat their girls in a special way, I think Valentine’s Day is a good excuse to go over the top and indulge in an expensive dinner. Who doesn’t like a tasty dinner?” Pizzone said.
Although Pizzone won’t be here for the big day, he and his girlfriend still plan on celebrating.
“Since I’ll be away tomorrow, my girlfriend and I are going to go out on Sunday,” Pizzone said. “It’ll be nice to take some time away from the stress of studying and just have a nice conversation in a calm setting.”
Sean Lynch, a freshman journalism and mass communication major, is looking forward to spending time with his girlfriend.
“I’m going to get her some flowers and candy and take her out for a nice dinner,” Lynch said.
Lynch says he never thought much of the day, but having a girlfriend has changed his view.
“The idea of Valentine’s Day seemed meaningless when I was younger, but now that I’m in a serious relationship, I care more about it.”
Valentine’s Day is marked by plenty of romantic items, but sometimes, Lynch says, people get too crazy with their gifts.
“In some cases, like with the huge Teddy Bears, people take it too far and make it really corny,” Lynch said. “I’m not into that stuff, but I think it’s nice to show your appreciation for your significant other.”
No matter what couples decide to do, love is sure to be in the air tomorrow.
