»Brittany Hickey
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Valentine’s Day is looming and those of us who are lucky enough to have a significant other are frantic with worry about getting the right gift, saying the right things and being sufficiently romantic. On top of all of this we have to make sure that our thoughtful gift is also photogenic, or how will he or she Instagram it and get tons of likes?

#Conundrum.

People have always been preoccupied with being liked. Before social media arrived we could brag about ourselves or our boyfriends in class or at football games so that everyone could appreciate our awesomeness.

Twitter and Facebook have made a way to share our lives like never before, which can be great, but lots of great things have a dark side – just ask Anakin Skywalker.

Last year, a writer at Mashable.com shared a survey of Facebook users about how the social networking site affected their real-life relationships. He said, “24 percent of respondents to one survey said they’ve missed out on enjoying special moments in person because — ironically enough — they were too busy trying to document their experiences for online sharing.”

Meanwhile at National Public Radio, Tom Ashbrook interviewed a Princeton professor about the so-called “Irony Problem,” also know as “The Hipster Phenomena.” The professor – Christy Wampole – spoke briefly about nostalgia and proposed that we have started to become nostalgic of an event while it’s still happening.

The ability to immediately post to Instagram makes it feel like, “Aw, remember that time we all went downtown and it was great?” while you are still downtown.

Social media is a new and tricky platform for relationships, and we have to go about it carefully if we want to preserve them.

Regardless of your personal feelings about Valentine’s Day, chances are you will eventually have to participate, and this is something you should think about. Are you giving your gift out of genuine care or a desire for attention?

Back in October my friends and I sent flowers to our friend on her birthday. Naturally, she posted a photo on Facebook and received a bunch of comments.

She got some attention and so did we. The problem this creates is one of authenticity.
This Valentine’s Day, try something different for your significant other.

Show them they are significant to you by doing something kind that they can’t take a picture of.

Of course, this is not an excuse to skimp on the chocolates and roses. There should always be chocolate and roses.

»Reagan Richter
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Valentine’s Day is approaching, which means moody singles and love-struck romantics.

Slews of boxed chocolates, cards with love poems, roses and giant teddy bears with “I love you” sewn onto plush hearts line the shelves of the store and remind people of the fact that they are either single and hopeless in finding someone to purchase those mass produced, overpriced items or that it is a relief that it is pay week so couples can buy each other those gifts (and a date) without crying over their wallet the following week.

Like all lovey-dovey holidays, there are always the people who dislike the sweet smell of romance, yet they receive flack for being pessimistic during such a wonderful time. Pro-Valentine’s Day-ers view these people as angry singles, Anti-Valentine’s Day-ers. But, I call these people normal.

I am an Anti-Valentine’s Day-er. I do not particularly hate the idea of a week of loving everyone, but I feel like Valentine’s Day has become overrated. That and it is just another day for me. I know, it’s blasphemy.

I do not say this without reason. Valentine’s Day is just another way to spend money on generic gifts that will be on the shelf next year.

Also, I do not believe in the cliché chocolates and roses. If my man ever gave me that on Valentine’s Day I would be offended. He should know that I love gummy bears and lilies more. And I don’t want to be lugging around a giant teddy bear all day. That would annoy me more than the chocolates and roses.

He also should know that I’m not really into wasting money on gifts I’ll eventually shove down my throat or in my closet.

Just because I’m Anti-Valentine’s does not mean I’m going to rain on everybody’s parade. I know that most girls and boys are itching to give that special someone a wonderful day to remember, and that’s perfectly fine.

My tip for men on this day is to give your love-muffin something that she can enjoy for more than a single day, something that she would really use and be proud of.

And girls, don’t expect to be the only one who should be romanced. Show your man that you really appreciate him.

Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be expensive either. So, no shotgun weddings, people. Chapels are expecting many people to get hitched this week, so their prices for marriage is much more expensive.

Also, don’t let your starry-eyes fool you either. The cost of candies, especially chocolates, are skyrocketing too
Instead, take your honey-bunches out to dinner. Many places have Valentine’s Day specials.

In conclusion, lovebirds, make this Valentine’s Day special for each other, not generic.

Single people, do not feel bad for being single. Your Prince Charming or Princess Wonderful is out there wondering when their special Valentine’s will arrive.

I am happy being an Anti-Valentine’s Day-er, and do not presume that I am single and unhappy. I am actually dating someone and happy, and I would rather them show me that they care on Valentine’s Day and not because it is expected of them.