Valentine’s Day may be over, but love is still in the air for Trojans — even if their wallets feel a little lighter.
The recent trend of corporations raising prices has drawn attention to the history of Valentine’s Day. Despite the stigma that college couples in the United States face immense pressure to overspend, some students argue that the experience is worthwhile.
“It hurt the wallet very badly. I’m a little broke but that’s okay,” Adam Rasland, a junior studying computer science said. “I feel pressure to spend on Valentine’s Day, but it’s worth it to celebrate the day with her. It would also be a little weird asking her to split the check.”
According to a National Retail Federation study, Americans were expected to spend a record $14.2 billion on their partners during the holiday this year, or a little over $100 per person. The study also found that people between the ages of 18 and 24 typically spend around $97 on their valentine, a hefty price for a college student.
Even with a high price range for students, many felt the price shouldn’t matter when you are celebrating each other’s love.
“I like to go fancy, not saying you have to go all out, but you have to spend a little bit of money,” senior Marcelino Martinez, studying computer science, said. “In theory, you should be doing this everyday, not spending the money, but showing this amount of love to your partner everyday.”
Even couples who have only been together for a few months felt it was important to do something special to mark the day.
“We’ve been officially together for three months, but I wanted to give her a good night,” Mitch Kirby, a sophomore studying mechanical engineering said. “We went out to Nobu in West Hollywood. It was definitely a big cash out day, but I feel like it’s something I should be doing for her.”
For plenty of USC students who use the day to shower their significant other with gifts and a fancy dinner, they definitely felt the pressure. However, there might be even more Trojans who don’t have someone to share the day with.
“I went out to dinner with some of my friends for our own Galentine’s Day,” freshman Angie Lopez studying international relations said. “I also gave some valentines to my roommate and friends.”
And when it comes to those who aren’t in a relationship, they felt if they were, they would also participate in celebrating love with their partners.
“If I was in a relationship, I would plan to spend some money,” Elijah Velarde, a junior studying communications, said. “I feel that just naturally you want to make your partner feel appreciated. Have them feel like you are spoiling them a little bit on special occasions.”
Trojans may be picking up some extra shifts in work this week but it appears not many people are regretting spending the money. Valentine’s Day may be over, but love is still certainly flowing through the USC campus.