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Tomorrow’s the big day! Did cupid hit you? If not, don’t worry — it seems he missed a lot of us.
Valentine’s Day is meant to be filled with love and happiness, but it’s not for everyone. Students around USC have mixed feelings about the holiday. Many see it as a marketing scheme, some question its inclusivity and others simply haven’t secured a boo.
“I’d love Valentine’s Day if I had a girlfriend. But I don’t have a girlfriend, so I don’t love Valentine’s Day,” said freshman Matthew Speier.
Opinions on the holiday around campus seem to echo Speier’s. Claire Kim, a junior majoring in accounting, addresses the role that social media plays in her perception of Valentine’s Day.
“I definitely think that social media can push people into more of a negative headspace if that’s where they’re starting from,” said Kim. “If they’re feeling lonely about missing out on Valentine’s Day, definitely seeing all the people post their flowers and gifts and dates on social media can be a little hurtful.”
“I think it’s a capitalist scam,” said Kim. “I’m pretty sure corporations made it so they could sell candy and stuff.”
Alternatively, many students are finding their own meanings for the day.
Emmy Li, a junior majoring in psychology, doesn’t prioritize the pursuit of a significant other for Valentine’s Day. Rather, she believes it’s not in the best interest of others to use the holiday solely to find that special someone.
“Some people are actively looking, and I understand this [Valentine’s Day] is a good opportunity to do so,” said Li. “But honestly, I think if it’s going to happen, it’s going to happen, and forcing it isn’t my favorite thing.”
Similarly, native Floridian, now LA resident, Daniel Harrison, shares many of the same sentiments as Li. To him, this infamous day of love can be highlighted in different ways.
“I think our obsession with romance during the holiday maybe doesn’t capture the full scope of all the variants of love that exist. Give some flowers to your mom, call up your friend and just tell them that you love them. That’s still love,” Harrison said.
If you’re still single come Tuesday, we’re sorry, but it’s not the end of the world. Ria Shah, a freshman majoring in biomedical engineering, explains the value of platonic relationships on Valentine’s Day.
“I honestly don’t really see February 14 as a special day, but I know my friends and I mutually appreciate and love each other, and that’s good enough for me,” said Shah.
Freshman Liz Allen said singledom isn’t an obstacle to having fun. She believes Valentine’s Day is for the girls.
“I’m a big fan of Galentine’s,” Allen said, in reference to an adapted Valentine’s celebrating friendship. “You know, you gotta do something on the day.”
If you don’t have a dinner date scheduled and are looking for something to do, there are many Valentine’s Day events being held at and around USC.
“I don’t know of anything at all, but if I were to find something, then I would love to know,” Speier said.
Well, he’s in luck – because this article has what he’s looking for.
Here’s a list of things for you to do on Valentine’s Day ranked closest to furthest in distance from USC.
The USC Student Health Center is hosting Let’s Taco ‘Bout Love, an opportunity to get free tacos and churros from Papi’s Taco and learn what relationship services USC Student Health has to offer. The event takes place from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. outside of the Lyon Center and Webb Tower.
USC Student Affairs is hosting an event from 12 p.m to 2 p.m at TCC 200. There will be a Valentine’s Day card exchange and treats provided.
If you’re single and ready to mingle, Rock n Reilly’s in the USC village is holding an all-day event tomorrow, where single life will be celebrated. The event asks men to wear black and women to wear red, as the bar will be “blasting all your favorite single-life anthems, we will have a photo booth, trivia, and special drinks.”
Grand Park Lover’s Rock has live music, a pop-up art gallery and a flower market to entertain visitors while they eat and dance. It’s a celebration of love, kindness and community!”
For those looking to redefine what Valentine’s Day means to them, the Magnolia House is hosting a free entry cocktail party that encourages people to join them “whether you’re celebrating the love between friends, the love between partners, or simply the love between you and your cocktail.” The event will be held from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m., and operates on a first come first serve basis.
Valentine’s Day is traditionally catered towards people who subscribe to heteronormative ideals, which isn’t always inclusive to people of differing identities. Luckily, there are some events happening around Los Angeles that are inclusive of individuals who are LGBTQ+.
Girls, Gays, & Theys welcomes both singles and couples to the 1920s speak-easy bar, The Virgil, where there will be live performances from DJ Pennywild and LA-based rock band Praise Kink! The event is the perfect late-night activity, running from 9 p.m. all the way until 2 in the morning.
Eden Anarchy Emo Dance Party is an event at Rainbow Bar & Grill in West Hollywood specifically for queer women. It promises “emo alt throwbacks all night long” and has a wristband system to highlight your relationship status.
