During the week leading up to Valentine’s Day, groups based at Delta College have made events and activities centered around the celebration to invigorate student spirit. However, young adult Delta students have differing views on the significance of Valentine’s Day in today’s modern times.
Nearly three years after the pandemic, when typical acts of affectionate display such as hugging, kissing, and attending events became potential health hazards, it seemed that the societal norm for particular events would change.
Specifically among those who were in high school when the lockdown occurred. Being as they are the next generation of adults, it could alter their views on the celebration and change the meaning of being affectionate.
“Most people have come to expect some type of gift on this date rather than be surprised or surprise their partner throughout the year. Especially with social media I see a lot of people comparing their relationship to others they see online and what materialistic gifts other people received,” said Ximena Osegueda, a Delta first-year student.
Among students, there is a common criticism that Valentine’s Day has been skewed due to social media trends the masses see.
Pre-lockdown, efforts were made at great lengths to achieve the most outrageous acts of displaying one’s love. The lockdown has made many reconsider their views on what makes Valentine’s Day meaningful.
“For me and my girlfriend we are very appreciative over small things and having an emotional connection is more important than anything else,” said second-year student Dominic Leon. “Some of the standout acts that make the celebration meaningful is going out to eat and just being together and making each other laugh.”
Small affectionate acts are more genuine as opposed to attending lots of events aiming to accomplish goals of vanity.
“Honestly, it’s all about the smile. As long as the smile is there, then that’s all that matters,” second-year student Julian Cortez said.
The significance of Valentine’s Day to a relationship and as an overall celebration is where the opinions differ.
Leon said “there is a significance to Valentine’s Day in a relationship because on that day it lets you be able to be creative and surprise your significant other in a fun way. In the future, I still see Valentine’s Day having the same impact it does now.”
Cortez said the holiday’s significance will increase, and we will see a return of the big plans motivated by materialism.
”It’s going to get even crazier. I saw that they’ve been selling Ramos’, the really big flowers again,” said Cortez. “A couple years ago, I didn’t even see them anymore, but now that people are buying them again, I think it’s going to be crazier with how people celebrate Valentine’s Day.”
The significance of Valentine’s Day appears to be a relevant question among students as it is now more possible than ever to have instant delivery and access to smaller gifts that are more cherished among people. But with that it raises the question if having such a celebration will be entirely necessary in the future.
“I don’t see Valentine’s Day having the same impact it does now. I think it’s just a day in which it is emphasized that you love the other person, but it shouldn’t just be one day out of the year,” Osegueda said.
