While Cupid is polishing his heart-shaped arrows for Valentine's Day, students at UB are feeling everything from excitement to indifference about what is intended to be the most romantic day of the year.
"I'm kind of neutral about [Valentine's Day]," said Jennifer Rahman, a junior anthropology and biomedical science major. "I really only get into it for the chocolate."
This time of year, wherever people are shopping, companies have a tendency to display pink, lacey merchandise as far as the eye can see.
According to Matt Belle, a freshman psychology major, these gift options and the holiday in general are intended just for the girls.
"Valentine's Day is pretty much just an excuse to have to buy girls presents," Belle said.
According to Lauren Palmieri, a sophomore dance major, the day can be just as romantic, if not more, without any presents at all.
"I would rather do something together than get a gift," Palmieri said.
According to Palmieri, having someone to be with dictates whether she celebrates or cares about the holiday. Other students share this mixed opinion about the day of candied hearts.
"Valentines Day is big, but it's nothing like Christmas," said Jenna Guadagnino, a sophomore dance major. "It should just be a nice romantic day."
John Gaeddert, a graduate student of the School of Public Health, is going to enjoy a nice romantic day at Buffalo's Botanical Gardens.
"I've made plans to take my girlfriend to the Botanical Gardens because you can be inside, looking at beautiful plants in the middle of winter," Gaeddert said. "It's also great because it is inexpensive, so you can save money and spend more on dinner."
When it comes to the gifts, most students expressed that they care more about the thought that is put into it than about the price. According to Jeila Kakavand, a junior biomedical major, a gift can cost less and be more romantic.
"I like to get an inexpensive, thoughtful gift," Kakavand said. "Most guys just go with chocolate, but that is kind of thoughtless."
Some students have found that their most memorable Valentines Day experiences happened with the help of a little creativity.
"One time my boyfriend showed up at my dance class in a tuxedo and he had flowers and chocolate with him," Palmieri said.
According to Rahman, a good Valentines Day gift is something that is personal, and can be shared exclusively between valentines.
"I would like a gift that means something to me that other people wouldn't get," Rahman said. "It would be sort of like an inside joke."
When it comes to treating one's sweetheart to a night of romance, a lot of students find themselves making the most out of a holiday that isn't meant to be the biggest celebration of the year.
"I usually keep it pretty small, but I bought a bunch of small gifts this year," Gaeddert said. "It's definitely a bigger deal for her than for me."
There may be mixed opinions about Valentine's Day as a whole, but that won't stop couples from celebrating by themselves, whether conventionally or creatively. Those who are courting a new love may want to consider the advice and opinions of their fellow students, and hopefully those who have been with their Valentine for a while will show their love beyond Feb. 15.
"I think Valentines Day is overrated, but I still celebrate it," Kakavand said. "Someone who loves you should love you all year ′round."
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
