Valentine’s Day is one of the major holidays of the winter season. At Aragon, it might be an opportunity for some teenagers to express love for their special someone or to exchange a little something with their friends. For others, Valentine’s Day may just be a nuisance, a seemingly over-commercialized holiday that takes advantage of people’s desire to express love.
So what are the expectations of the average Aragon student? Junior Vivian Shen says, “I really don’t expect too much. I mean, what holiday hasn’t become commercialized? I think for many of my friends, Valentine’s Day [is] just a day to show love, and not just romantic love. Just love for everyone! Family and friends are all included.”
Sophomore Caroline Mameesh agrees, saying, “I think Valentine’s Day is a cute idea. Businesses will definitely take advantage of Valentine’s Day, but Feb. 14 is really what you make of it, and whether or not you choose to be superficial about it. All those bitter people should just realize that one day they’ll be celebrating Valentine’s Day with their special someone.”
For freshman Isha Patel, Valentine’s Day is not too special, but she still likes the holiday. “Yeah, I’m single. I don’t really do anything special, but I’ll definitely have my friends to be there with me,” says Patel. Similarly, freshman Melanie Moore says, “I’m not too worried about Valentine’s Day. I’ll buy a couple packs of Fun Dip, give them to my friends, and hang out with them. I don’t really do anything special relationship-wise.”
However, for couples, Valentine’s Day definitely brings mixed emotions. Senior Edgar Tenorio says, “What? A Valentine’s gift for my girlfriend? Well … I should probably start thinking about it,” he says, laughing. “I think instead of a present, I’ll take her places and do stuff with her, as opposed to gifts. I think it’ll build better memories.”
There is good news for Tenorio since his girlfriend senior Alexis Wishman says, “I don’t really expect presents from my boyfriend. Really, all I want is to spend time with him.”
Senior David Leong’s situation is similar to Tenorio’s. “Valentine’s Day is definitely tough because I feel there are a lot of expectations on your part and from your love. I think that since this is a holiday of love, it’s pretty fair to say that love will flow both ways. It’s just that I have no idea what to do for my lovely Alana,” Leong says. “I just hope I can get her something that perfectly describes our relationship.”
Freshman Greg Oertli’s girlfriend goes to San Mateo, but he isn’t worried—he has already got a gift planned out for her: “I’ve never had a girlfriend on Valentine’s day,” he says. “But I’m getting her chocolates. I really don’t expect much in return.”
Tenorio expresses a different opinion and says, “I just wish if I could get some attention or something in return, not that my girlfriend doesn’t love me! I don’t know, maybe I’m totally biased, but sometimes I just want to feel pretty!”
Freshman Alex Tenorio disagrees, “I think as a guy, I shouldn’t expect as much attention because I feel like tradition is the way to go. I mean, think chivalry—there’s a lot of expectations for the guy to do his part. Like if I had a girlfriend, I’d make it all about her.”
Mameesh will probably focus her attention on her girlfriend. Mameesh says, “Last year for my girlfriend Diana’s birthday, I got her a necklace with a key and a heart on top. I gave it to her because she has the ‘key to my heart.’ I don’t know how I’ll top that!”
However, Mameesh is not too concerned. “I know this is my first Valentine’s Day, but I don’t really look to the media, movies, or my other friends as examples of what I should do. I’ll do my own thing. We’ll definitely exchange cards, though, because I think it’s sweet.”
Mameesh concludes, “We’ll also exchange hugs. Because what? Love. And that’s what Valentine’s Day is about.”
