Well, kids, it’s that time of year again! Single Awareness Day, also known as Valentine’s Day for some of you, is tomorrow! While people in relationships are sure to “enjoy this day to the fullest,” and no doubt ~ some mistakes will be made (!)~, if you’re single, February 14th is just a reminder that you’re without a significant other. While many have already resorted to Tinder – the dating app that superficially reduces judging a total stranger completely by their looks and a flick of the wrist – college students are more likely than ever to do whatever it takes to have someone – even if just for a day.
So, should you resort to Tinder for a Valentine’s Day date? Given Tinder’s tagline, “It’s like real life, but better” – a question of reality and representation that would leave most modernists flummoxed – using this app for this specific date would make sense. But should you?
It all depends on what it is that you’re looking for. On some level, you may be incensed (if not jealous) by the fact that most of your friends will be spending tomorrow with their significant other. Like most young adults, conformity runs rampant. Most of us will remember when our friends first starting getting iPhones, and if you’re like me, you felt left out because you did not have one yourself. You scrambled to the store to pay an exorbitant price for a piece of metal whose only cool feature was a touch screen. Worth it? Probably not. Well, kids, people are not iPhones. There is no need to rush out to get one for yourself just because people are touting their possessions like status trophies.
However, if you do decide that you need someone to “fulfill your Valentine’s Day need” – for the day, for the hour, whatever – Tinder will most likely make that happen. The app will be swarming with even more people ~itchin’ for some action~. Swipe at your own risk. BUT REMEMBER YOUR MISSION. And beware of others’ intentions. If this entire ordeal is meant to be a one-time thing, leave it at that. Be forthright. Don’t read it as more than it is.
Nonetheless, if you’re like me, tomorrow you will be surrounding yourself with loved ones – and by this term, I mean friends. Too often we neglect the love, positivity, and acceptance that already exists around us. Gather up your friends and hang out: maybe watch a romcom, but no pressure. If you want a sentimental day, bonding with your friends will be sure to warm your heart in the way that a total stranger never could.
In fact, go out on a limb and start today, like Leslie and the gang. Have a “Galentine’s Day” (celebrated every February 13th by the enlightened). And non-"gal" readers, don’t be deterred by the gender marker in this name: this day is all about platonic LOVE. Get together with your gal pals, your guy pals, your non-binary pals, your four-legged pals, your non-human pals, and celebrate what it means to love your friends (AND YOURSELF) and what it feels like to actually be loved and respected.
At the end of the day, Valentine’s Day may just be more than a meaningless hookup. After all, the day is all about learning to love life (and love!) itself.
