By Chelsea Royal, Assistant Editorial Editor

For the first time this semester, I walked through the Student Center observing the changes. Although the meal posts remained the same, the décor of the food court was preparing for an upcoming holiday. Instead of red and green food packages, Christmas and Chanukah gifts, the Student Center cafeteria was lined with heart-boxed shapes of chocolates, candied roses, marshmallow hearts and more. It’s not just the Student Center cafeteria, but all around Hofstra there are signs of preparations for Valentine’s Day.

For some, Valentine’s Day is an occasion when they reveal themselves to a crush, or indulge in boxes of candies. For others, this holiday is their worst nightmare. It reinforces the fact that they are single and the sight of couples together holding hands around campus makes them sick.

The media creates unrealistic expectations for both sexes during this season. According to the advertisements and commercials, men are supposed to spoil their women with flowers, diamonds, chocolates and mushy cards. I learned from personal experience how these grand expectations can actually wreck this occasion.

I had big expectations for the first Valentine’s Day while my boyfriend and I were dating. I couldn’t wait for the flowers, the chocolates, and all the special date ideas that he had planned for the day. When he told me we were just going to hang out for the day because he didn’t make plans, I was sure it was just a cover up. However, when I got into the car expecting to be taken away to a romantic restaurant and showered with gifts, it turns out that he really had no plans for the day. I was furious and demanded an answer for the romantic day’s ordinary treatment.

“Why should we choose one day out of the whole year to celebrate being together,” he responded.  “Isn’t every day of our relationship special?”

Not attempting to ruin the holiday for those couples who celebrate Valentines Day to its fullest potential, I now view February 14th simply as a day for companies to advertise their romantic merchandise. The only romantic significance to this day for me lies in my parent as this day marks their wedding anniversary.

 So to those who like to take this holiday to the extreme, I truly hope you enjoy going to that fancy, romantic restaurant or starting off the day with a box of chocolates and flowers from your significant other. For everyone else, I suggest you take the time to celebrate the relationships and friendships you have both on Valentine’s Day and every day.