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HC Ithaca’s Her Gay BFF: Valentine’s Day Ettiquette

Her Campus Placeholder Avatar Tim Bidon
Her Campus Placeholder Avatar Tessa Crisman
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Ithaca chapter.

 

 Oh to be young and in love on Valentines Day!  Everyone who has a sweetheart is excited to give teddy bears and get chocolate and share some good ol’ fashioned loving this year, but what of those who are alone?
 
Valentines day can be a tough time of year for those of us who are single. Trust me, I know. 19 years of lonely valentines days and counting! But, there’s something you, and all your happily coupled friends can do this year to make it a little more pleasant for all parties involved!
 
First off, let’s focus on what couples should be doing this Valentines Day. I speak for all singles when I say: “we get it, you’re happy.” That’s perfectly fine, I understand the novelty of the holiday and I’d imagine it’s a lot of fun to be able to give each other gifts and be extra gooshy for one day of the year. That being said, what all you couples need to understand is that it’s really freakin’ annoying to have you push your love into our faces. Those of us who are alone are probably not proud of it. Valentines Day just serves as a harsh reminder of this. Of course, you should still give each other teddy bears, cards, chocolates or whatever other tacky gifts you see fit. But please, keep it to yourselves. We get that you’re in love, but is it really any of our business anyway?

 
But don’t think you’re off the hook either, single ladies! While I understand that Valentines Day can be annoying as hell and make you feel incredibly alone, you have to do your best to not rain on everyone else’s parade. I mean, come on! Couples deserve the chance to be happy, and it’s not really fair for all of us cynical singles to go out and trash everything Valentines Day stands for.  We’ve all heard the argument: “It’s a commercial holiday put on by the greeting card companies…” I agree. It’s true. But if I’m ever coupled on Valentines Day, that boy can expect one big ass teddy bear.
 
So everyone, this year just take valentines day with a hint of empathy for both parties who participate. Couples, keep your love to yourself. Singles, keep your ranting to your friends. What am I doing for Valentines Day? I’ll probably watch the “Golden Girls” in my room and eat peanut butter. And you know what? I’m okay with that.

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Tessa Crisman is a sophomore (class of 2014) at Ithaca College, where she is studying as a sociology major with Spanish, environmental studies, and Latin American studies minors. Tessa is a Spanish and Arabic tutor for Ithaca College's Academic Enrichment Services, as well as a resident assistant for Residential Life. She is also an active member of IC Intercambios, which allows her to visit local farms to teach English to migrant workers, and of the Committee for Inclusive Education, a group promoting ethnic studies programs at Ithaca College and beyond. When she's not writing papers or handing out noise violations, Tessa enjoys knitting socks, going to the farmer's market, and dancing like there's no tomorrow. She plans to pursue a career in sustainable agriculture and food justice advocacy.