War of the Words: Valentine’s Day meant for couples

Singles need to stop complaining

By Cazzy Lewchuk, Staff Writer

Valentine’s Day was originally a Christian Feast Day celebrating Saint Valentine, who was killed for his beliefs during the anti-Christian Roman Empire. It somehow evolved into an occasion in the Middle Ages where lovers exchanged Valentine greetings to show their affection. This tradition continues today—and that’s all it should be. It’s meant as a holiday for couples to do romantic things, and nothing else.

Yet most of the statements concerning Valentine’s Day on my social networks or said by my friends are not expressions of love for their significant others. It’s mostly whining about being “forever alone” and how they plan to spend the day eating chocolate and/or sobbing. Sometimes it takes the form of a slightly uncomfortable joke—something like “Valentine’s Day? You mean Singles Awareness Day?”

Nobody likes hearing singles complain about being single. It happens all the time, not just on Valentine’s Day. Personally, I feel Valentine’s Day is the one time of the year when singles specifically shouldn’t complain, because the holiday is just not meant for them. Complaining about being single on Valentine’s Day is like complaining about not being Jewish on Hanukkah. The holiday is designed for a certain demographic. All the gifts sold and celebrations held are specifically meant for people who are dating.

Yes, being single can be frustrating, especially for those who’ve always been so, or those who’ve just gotten out of a relationship. Valentine’s Day can be a reminder that there are happy couples around you, and you are not part of one. At the same time, I know of no one who enjoys hearing singles complain about the fact. If you must, leave the complaining to the days before or after February 14. I see Valentine’s Day rants all over Facebook for weeks beforehand. Can we please at least let the lovers have the actual 14thto themselves?

I like seeing couples tell each other why they love each other. I like hearing cute stories. Maybe it’s a bit mushy, but it’s nice to see that there’s a little more love in the world.

At the heart of itself, Valentine’s Day is a Hallmark holiday. There are no religious or cultural grounds associated with it today. It exists to sell cards and chocolate to those in love, and for restaurants to advertise deals on meals for two. It’s just like St. Patrick’s Day, where not all participate. However, no one complains about not being Irish on St. Patty’s.

Being single can suck. I get it. Still, couples often face enough awkwardness and resentment from their jealous, partnerless friends. Complaining about not having anyone at a wedding or anniversary party would be considered selfish, tasteless, and insensitive to the newly wedded couple. Why can’t we share the same etiquette for a holiday specifically designed for lovers? After all, everything will be back to normal on February 15. Then you can eat all the half-priced chocolate until your lonely heart’s content—just please, please don’t make another Facebook status about it.