Valentine’s Day Is For Everyone: Best Date Spots On Campus

I love Valentine’s Day.

There. I said it.

Judge me all you want for adoring the helium balloons floating above the fruit at Kroger, for swooning over the $98 behemoth stuffed teddy bear at Wal-Mart or for reading every single sappy card in the Target card aisle.

But let me ask you a question. Do you hate Valentine’s Day because it’s a made-up holiday created by flower and candy companies to annually boost their sales, or because you don’t have anyone to buy you flowers and candy?

If it’s the first one, fine. Be a grouch and don’t buy flowers, candy or cards. Pretend that February 14 is the exact same as any other day and go about your life as usual.

But if it’s the second reason, I’m here for you. This is me empathizing with you for not having anyone to buy you sweet, thoughtful things.

Now this is me telling you to GET. OVER. IT.

And here are some fantastic reasons why:

You know those mini, foldable, themed valentines that your mom would buy for you every year to hand out to your classmates in elementary school? Remember how excited you were to choose exactly which card to give away, which friend you should give it to and which candy you should hand to them? Where did this excitement and thoughtful giving spirit go?

Where has the magic gone?!

For all the singles, long distance relationships, UU sidewalk couples and every other relationship status at Union University, don’t spend this Thursday moping around campus, wearing all black and playing that angsty middle school hit, “Two is Better Than One,” by Boys Like Girls on repeat.

Instead, go to class. Eat in Cobo. Then treat yo’self and go on a Valentine’s Day adventure with your favorite people.

What’s that? You’re not skilled in the art of adventure seeking? Well then, you’re in luck. I put a questionnaire on my Instagram story last night asking people to send in their best on-campus date ideas. I’ve categorized them loosely by relationship status, but feel free to mix and match to your heart’s content (pun totally intended).

 

Candidate #1: The Classic Couple

“A boat ride with an umbrella for the lady in the Jennings fountain. ‘Little Rascals’ style.”

Not only is this a classy date idea, this guy just referenced the “Little Rascals.” Take notes, guys.

“Breakfast in Cobo. Long walks down the Great Lawn. Picnic in the woods. Stargaze in Heritage.”

Breakfast in Cobo is one of Union’s best kept secrets. Get up early, lazy bones. Order a Cobo smoothie with two straws.

“Scavenger hunt to every place we’ve been together.”

I actually just cried thinking about that one, so.

 

Candidate #2: The Galentine’s

First of all, there’s an entire “Parks and Recreation” episode dedicated to Galentine’s, and I’m not saying you should go watch it right now, but also it’s Season 2 Episode 16. Waffles, bouquets of hand crocheted flower pens and a failed attempt at reunited love.

“Wait until the dead of night, climb a tree* and have a midnight picnic with your roommates.”

(*word changed to tree because this publication does not endorse the climbing of the Penick Academic Complex)

“Take a walk on campus and get some frapps from Starbucks!”

Nothing says “treat yourself” like a venti Frappuccino from Starbucks.

 

Candidate #3: The Single Pringle

“Hang out in neature and read.”

You can tell that’s a great idea by the way that it is.

“Stay with my valentine: my bed.”

I can’t fault you for that. I heard a statistic once that 100% of college students don’t get enough sleep. That could’ve been a dream though.

“Spend it with myself because I’m a strong, independent woman who doesn’t need a man.”

L-O-V-E. Get a face mask, some hot tea and “She’s the Man” on Netflix, and you’ve got the perfect date night with yourself.

 

Candidate #4: The Bro(mance)

“Pizza.”

There’s never a bad time for pizza. National Pizza Day should be as important, if not more, than Valentine’s Day.

“Grab some Cobo and go to the basketball game!”

Let’s go Bulldogs!!! (seriously, go to The Fred and support our guys and gals.)

“Disc golf, board games and steak night.”

Can anyone be a bro because this sounds crazy awesome!

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Help me bring back the magic of February 14 by reminding friends, family and yourself that Valentine’s Day is for everyone! If you need even more ideas for how to spend this Thursday, you’ll find me in the Valentine’s card aisle at Target.

Illustration by Tamara Friesen