Valentine’s Day is the holiday that celebrates love. Every year, 141 million Valentine’s cards are exchanged proclaiming the love or admiration of those that we want to share Feb. 14 with.
Ever since we were kids in elementary school slipping superhero and princess Valentine’s cards into brown bags sitting on top of our desks, we have celebrated this holiday that focuses on candy and flowers. As we grow up the holiday becomes more realistic, but how many of us are celebrating love?
I’ve only had one Valentine the entire 20 years I’ve been alive, and I sure wasn’t paying for the $7 meal and $1 movie out of love. I was talking to the person and wanted to show my appreciation. Also, if something more came after watching “Deathly Hallows: Part 2,” I wasn’t going to turn it down. But is this the mindset of everyone? Do we all go into Valentines date expecting a little heavy petting to occur?
Natalie Woods, sophomore radiology major, said it depends on the person and the dating situation, and gifts and smooth talking won’t get them far if she’s not feeling it.
“I don’t expect to have sex just because it is Valentine’s Day,” Woods said. “If I’m with the person, then it might happen, and if he wants to buy me lingerie from Victoria’s Secret then go ahead, but it doesn’t promise anything.”
Junior criminal justice major Alex Fath has a different outlook. Fath expects sex after his Valentine’s date and doesn’t look at the gifts he’s giving as insuring sex at the end of the night.
“I went for something cute and something impressive to give her. The gifts are a way to show here that I like her, and she’s not just another slam piece,” Fath said. “But Valentine’s Day would not be complete without sex, so I definitely think that it should happen.”
It’s just like the movies we go see on our dates. The woman is in it for love and the man for sex. The stereotype has lingered around Hollywood, in books and in our minds for years but not everyone falls into the sex-crazed man role.
Kyle Willams, junior nursing major, is breaking the stereotype.
Williams is currently talking to a girl in Indianapolis. They have been talking since break, and he plans to meet her in Terre Haute on Valentine’s Day.
“I used to just want sex from people, but I’m changing that part of my life and looking to start a long-term relationship,” Williams said. “I really just hope to get a first kiss out of the date.”
Generally, I feel like Valentine’s Day is just another day, no different than the day before or after. I don’t see strangers asking each other on dates any more than normal. I don’t hear that many plans as I sit in the UC nor do I see couples in better moods as I walk to classes.
Jayd Durcholz, freshaman social work major, summed up my opinion in a very blunt manner.
“Valentine’s Day is no different than any other day, if I want to have sex I will but it’s no reason to go break out the furry handcuffs,” Durcholz said.
