Valentine’s survival manual - better late than never
Now that Snowblast is over and the weather is getting warmer, our attention shifts towards something a bit more spring-related. No, I’m not referring to spring break, although, with it being only a hop away, that should also be burning in the back of student minds. For a few hints, think of hand-holding, chocolate, and lots and lots of red. Valentine’s Day. A day of love and sweets that captivates the nation every February 14.
But that doesn’t mean it’s without faults. Dividing the country into another set of categories between the singles and the couples, this particular holiday brings either joy or just straight-up melancholy. Thankfully, there's nothing discount-chocolate and heart-warming romance movies can’t fix.
Although there are many, many cons to uncover when considering this sickly-sweet holiday, there are ways to convince the masses to see the brighter side. A viewpoint that many can agree with, there exists ways to enjoy the day that many may not realize. To all those vacillating with their feelings, here is a list of the best ways to cope with those Valentine’s Day struggles and appreciate the complexity of the human heart:
The more, the merrier!: No one wants to be alone on the day dedicated to your significant other, so surround yourself with friends and/or family, party, and have fun; it doesn't have to be a romantic gathering to be enjoyable!
Go out, do something: The best way to distract yourself is to be busy yourself. Do an activity, hang out with friends, make a trip, see something. Oshkosh puts on multiple events around downtown for the holiday, so making a heartwarming itinerary could solve your case of the blues.
Not an outdoor person? Hunker down: Watch a movie, binge your favorite show, scroll endlessly through the media. There’s nothing wrong with entertainment via a device or streaming service.
Want a change of pace? Go for the move!: Why not take advantage of Valentine’s Day, and shoot your shot? As much as you feel like the only single person in the world on February 14th, there’s a good chance that the person you’re going for is as well.
.Chocolates are your best friend: Whether you’ve burned every ounce of energy left in your body or not, there’s nothing like chocolate to revive you. Take it as your cheat day, I hear the assorted pack may surprise you with the variety of ways you can consume empty calories.
Still on the fence? It’s okay, a lot of us still are, but don’t use that as an excuse to turn this into a pity day. As said before, make up some plans and protect yourself from wallowing in bed. Or don’t, I won’t judge. If you’ve really been down-terrible, remember that it’s just a day, like the last, and the next, and the next. Treat it like that, and you’ll be able to power through.
How? Through the power of distraction. Although it won’t captivate your attention for the entirety of your day, Valentine’s Day can still benefit you. As you shift your focus from Valentine’s Day to simply enjoying yourself, you will eventually find yourself not thinking about it at all.
Nonetheless, a shout-out to the couples out there living their happily ever after is a well-deserved congratulations! Valentine’s Day is a benchmark and a goal for some couples, faults and all. A day of love and sweets that captivate the nation every February 14th. Filled with hand-holding, chocolate, tears, sappy movies, and hopefully, plenty of love.
By Nia-Lynn Walker
Oshkosh West Index Volume 118 Issue V
February 22, 2022