Valerie Bell
Student Writer
It’s that time of year again when Valentine’s Day hits us hard. This can be a romantic day for couples, or a miserable day for those who don’t have a significant other to share the holiday with. Either way, we all know what we can expect to see on February 14th: The store shelves stocked with an assortment of different items and the same sappy cards at every check-out register. Here are 14 things we’re all tired of seeing on February 14th:
- Heart shaped boxes of assorted chocolate
We’ve all received a box of chocolates on Valentine’s Day at one point or another, whether it was from your mom or a special someone. It ends up being a waste of money when you end up biting into a piece filled with something weird and spit it out anyway.
- Giant teddy bears
Maybe we’re bitter because of all the Facebook posts saying “goals” featuring a girl with a giant stuffed animal from her boyfriend. However, you can’t avoid walking through Walmart after Christmas without running into all the Valentine’s Day stuffed animals that are twice your size.
- On that note, stores decorate WAY too early
The day after Christmas, all of the stores are advertising gifts and Valentine’s Day merchandise everywhere you go (and it’s not even January yet).
- The movie “Valentine’s Day”
It’s no surprise that TBS and every other channel are all airing “Valentine’s Day” at every hour of the day. It’s not like you haven’t seen the movie hundreds of times in the past six years since it came out.
5. Overpriced roses
Every store is flourishing with beautiful roses…but have you checked the price?! How can college students afford those anyway?
- Social media filled with the same pose every couple takes in their matching red shirts
You can’t get on Facebook, Instagram, or any other social media site without it being filled with couple pictures on a normal day. The funny thing about Valentine’s Day is every couple posts a picture doing the same standard pose while wearing matching red shirts for the occasion.
- …And the social media posts about how great it is to be single
After scrolling through about 8 happy, couple pictures, you find that post from a single friend who says how happy they are that they don’t have to spend money this year, or that they can just lay around and watch Netflix in their sweatpants all day.
- The unhappy single people who complain about being single
It’s also no surprise to hear all of your single friends complaining about being single. “I wish I had a hot date tonight,” your friend says while stuffing their mouth with chocolate from their grandma.
9. Every restaurant filled with reservations and tables set for two
You and your single friends decide to go out and spend Valentine’s Day together, only to find that every restaurant is booked. Tables for two surround you and there are couples everywhere. It’s unavoidable.
- Everyone getting engaged or in relationships
The cliche Valentine’s Day engagement isn’t very original but you’ve come to expect at least five relationship status changes on the 14th.
11. Those heart shaped candies that say “call me” and “be mine”
Brach’s candy hearts taste like chalk, yet they seem to be the second best-selling candy next to a heart-shaped box of chocolates during the month of February.
- Balloons
Once again, another oversized item we see floating around or tied to a giant stuffed animal for pure overload.
- All the radio stations playing sappy love songs
You can’t even drive to work on Valentine’s Day without hearing a sappy love song. You decide to change the station, just to hear another sappy love song.
- Mushy holiday cards on every shelf in every store
Hallmark might say it best, but all the cheesy Valentine’s Day cards down every aisle make it next to impossible to find a simple birthday card. Not to mention, they make oversized and musical cards now too.
It’s impossible to avoid the same Valentine’s Day cards, store items and happy couples everywhere each year – It’s part of the spirit of St. Valentine. These 14 things will probably recur each year for the rest of our lives and there’s no way to shy away from it. Just remember Valentine’s Day is exactly what you make it, whether spent with friends, family or that special someone.
On that note, Happy Valentine’s Day!