By Dakota Rose
Valentine’s Day is right around the corner (two days and counting, fellas)! With chocolate and roses stocked in every storefront, this holiday brings about something else… some dreaded conversations: “Is it too soon to celebrate?” “What are we?” and “What are we doing?” to name a few. For some couples, this is not a concern. One SMU student happily described her and her significant other’s plans for Valentine’s Day–they each planned something for the other to do together over Valentine’s weekend. Meanwhile, other students are frantically searching for a dinner reservation because “who knew restaurants booked out that far in advance?” No matter your situation, students have something to say to help demystify Valentine’s Day dating at SMU.
So, when is “too soon” to celebrate Valentine’s Day? I spoke to some SMU students, and their answers were relatively similar. The consensus is essentially that, big or small, Valentine’s Day should be celebrated. It doesn’t have to be a fancy or expensive dinner or even a full event, but acknowledging the holiday is standard. It could be flowers, a note, or a little bit of quality time. All these things are easy to do, but subtly acknowledge care for your significant other. As one student put it: “If you’re in a relationship on Valentine’s Day, it would be f*cking weird if you didn’t do anything. Just suck it up and buy the roses.”
But what if you don’t have a label? Is it appropriate to celebrate then? I personally think no celebration is necessary if you’ve only been on a couple of dates–you’re just getting to know this person, so a text will suffice. For those of us in slightly more complicated situationships, new talking stages, or have just yet to have that oh-so-special “what are we” conversation, SMU students think it’s a case-by-case basis. It’s different for every couple but the key is to communicate about it. “If you equally agree to [celebrating Valentine’s Day], yes,” one student answered when asked if it is appropriate to celebrate Valentine’s Day without a label. “I wouldn’t post anything public, but maybe go out to a quiet dinner so we’re not lonely,” another student commented. The verdict is if you communicate with whoever you are seeing, label or not, and agree about Valentine’s Day – go crazy – just be on the same page.
I was also surprised to find most students don’t feel like the end-all-be-all Valentine’s Day is celebrated with a fancy dinner, though that is a classic choice. Students described a range of activities to celebrate their holiday and spend time with their partner – a picnic, going on a hike, or visiting a special location. “I’m all for a night in, like dinner at home in a shared space. Intimacy in a private way rather than a public way” responded an SMU junior when I asked him about his ideal Valentine’s Day. Most students are looking for something non-traditional with a hint of surprise that balances adventure with chill time.
It’s not just about spending time with your significant other. Valentine’s Day can be a great opportunity to get together with your friends and celebrate Galentine’s. Throw a dinner party with your roommate, go shopping, enjoy a chill night in, or watch a rom-com. There are so many ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day single and some people even prefer it. “I would love to throw a Galentine’s night. A theme is always fun.” said one student. “I don’t think I would want to not do anything. That would be so sad.”
No matter who you are celebrating with, Valentine’s Day is about love and connection. It doesn’t take an over-the-top romantic evening to show you care. Rather, it can be celebrated at any stage of a relationship with communication and a small gesture. Valentine’s Day is a celebration for everyone, so even spending the night with your friends is a worthwhile venture. Everyone wants a reason to celebrate. And if someone won’t suck it up and buy the roses for you, you can always suck it up and buy the roses for yourself.
