Surviving Singles Awareness Day

Cedar Goslin
The Broadside

Valentine’s Day is rapidly approaching and there’s not a store or TV channel that’s going to let you forget it.

This time of year, pink and red heart-shaped foil balloons hover over every checkout aisle at the super markets, every other commercial on TV is advertising diamonds and stores are cluttered with boxed chocolates and five foot tall teddy bears wielding hearts that say things like, “Be Mine.”

The media, or at least jewelry and chocolate advertisements, portray Valentine’s Day as a day of romance, hand holding and quality time with that special someone.

But not everyone has a special someone.

So how do people without a hand to hold feel about Valentine’s Day?

While some see it as a day of romance, for others Valentine’s Day has earned the nickname Singles Awareness Day. With all the hype about relationships around Feb. 14, those who are single suddenly become aware of their status—sometimes painfully so— and in that case the anagram S.A.D may reflect their feelings on that state of affairs.

“I can’t say I’m extreme one way or the other. I like any holiday the kids get excited about,” said Jennifer Clark, a Central Oregon Community College student in the Health Information Technology program. “I think if I were single I might feel differently.”

There were some COCC students who did feel differently: seven out of 15 students asked in front of the Campus Center and Barber Library said that they didn’t like Valentine’s Day, four said it was a holiday they enjoyed and four said they didn’t care about the holiday either way.

Those who weren’t fond of Valentine’s Day chose not to comment, so it’s unknown whether or not their dislike had to do with being single, but according to COCC student Jean Marshall, Valentine’s Day isn’t just for couples.

“I celebrate with my daughters,” said Marshall, who enjoys buying gifts for her girls every Valentine’s Day and sometimes doing activities with them. On the subject of love, however, Marshall thought that Valentine’s Day had lost its luster, even for couples.

“I don’t think men are interested in it anymore,” said Marshall.

Whether you’re celebrating Valentine’s Day or Singles Awareness Day this year, Feb. 14 can be a day full of stress, but it also has the potential to be a lot of fun, so whatever you’re celebrating this year try to enjoy yourself!

Five ways to Celebrate

“Singles Awarness Day”

1. Celebrate being single!

Don’t let all of the couple propaganda let you forget how nice it is to be unattached: go out dancing or do another activity that allows you to enjoy some light-hearted flirting withouta bit of guilt.

2. Do something special with someone close to you.

Who says Valentine’s Day is just about romantic love? Get together with a good friend or close family member and do something fun. Movies are always a great activity. If you go with friends you won’t be bothered by all of the happy couples in attendance.

3. Pamper yourself.

While those who are in relationships are getting dolled up in uncomfortable tuxes and dresses, take this day to relax. You could catch up on your reading or get a massage!

4. Do something outdoors.

Weather permitting, a nice hike is a great way to get away from all the Valentine’s Dayhype.

5. Raid the discount chocolate bins.

Valentine’s chocolate usually goes on sale the day of or the day after Valentine’s day, so while couples are out making googly eyes at each other, make sure you get the first pick—suckers!