While in high school, Haley Beatty was on her student council when they planned a Valentine’s Day event where students could wear red or pink in support of the day – or black in opposition.
Beatty, a first-year student at St. Thomas University, planned an all-black outfit to show her dislike for the day, and at her basketball practice on Feb. 13, she was accidentally elbowed in the eye.
“My friend texted me after I told her and said, ‘Wow, you really don’t like Valentine’s Day, do you? Tomorrow you’re supposed to wear all black and you’ll be sporting a black eye too,’” Beatty said.
Paige Corporon, another STU student, also hates Valentine’s Day because she thinks it’s built on capitalism and consumerism.
“I don’t think you need an excuse to express your love for your partner,” Corporon said. “You can go out and get a bouquet of flowers for your loved ones whenever you want. You don’t need a specific date,” she said.
Beatty thinks there’s expectations associated with Valentine’s Day as you get older.
“It was fun back in the day, but then you get to middle school and suddenly, it’s not so fun anymore because you don’t get a little brown paper bag with free candy,” she said. “And then in high school, it’s pointless unless you have someone to share it with and that’s what high school kind of puts pressure on.”
Beatty said she doesn’t necessarily hate the day, but she agrees with Corporon that you shouldn’t need a day to love your significant other.
Corporon also hates the idea of spending a lot of money for one day. She said she’s heard stories of people dumping their partner before Valentine’s Day because they don’t have the money, or they don’t know what to get them. She thinks the holiday just gives people an excuse to show off their relationship on social media.
“I feel like it just causes more strife than it’s worth,” Corporon said.
The only thing Corporon likes about Valentine’s Day is the day that follows.
“The only day to go out to buy chocolate…is the day after Valentine’s Day,” Corporon said.
Beatty said despite her dislike for the holiday, she would never judge others for celebrating. But she doesn’t want those who celebrate to make anyone without a partner feel bad.
“It’s a nice holiday, don’t get me wrong, but don’t feel bad about not having anyone to celebrate with because it’s fun to just celebrate with your friends and family,” Beatty said.
