Bwogger Zora Day-Friedland scopes out the Valentine’s Day vibe on and around campus.

Valentine’s Day is a complicated holiday. What was once a day of affectionate card-giving has turned into a corporate mega holiday that sometimes breeds more stress than love. But as a die-hard romantic, I adore Valentine’s Day nonetheless. So, equipped with some heart-shaped and rose-colored glasses, I decided to go out on the town and see how the people were feeling about one of the biggest holidays of the year. 

  • “I really want to buy a fancy suit… but I have no reason to buy a fancy suit.” – a guy walking outside of Butler
  • “But it’s like, different when a guy does it.” – a woman talking to her friend on the phone
  • “You didn’t get me flowers… which is fine.” – a woman on the subway talking to her boyfriend (yikes!)
  • “That couple next to us at dinner was WEIRD.” – a man on the subway talking to his girlfriend
  • “Happy Valentine’s Day, here’s our next song!” – the lead singer of a band who looked vaguely like an Oasis brother

And finally…

  • “What Valentine’s Day wisdom do you think I have??” – my friend when I realized I was short on quotes and asked her for some insight on Valentine’s Day

These quotes paint a picture of a Valentine’s Day marred by crushed expectations and judgment. But I’ve decided to be optimistic about the state of love on campus and in NYC. So here are some more wholesome things I observed yesterday.

  • Approximately 200 people on campus running around with bouquets. (Lots of Baby’s-breath, my favorite flower!)
  • Lots of cute old people holding hands.
A heart drawn on a subway door
The “Tunnel of Love” in the 14th Street subway station. This is a tradition that started over a decade ago and is still going strong! 

Even if this Valentine’s Day didn’t quite meet your expectations or if you are disappointed by your lack of a romantic partner to spend it with, remember that love is all around this campus and this city, you just have to look for it.

Header via Bwarchives