Valentine’s Day is one-upping Justin Timberlake by bringing dating back. Northwestern is often criticized as having a sub-par dating scene and students frequently complain about its emphasis on hookup culture. The holiday, at its best, gives couples a reason to spend some much needed quality time together.
Those that oppose the February 14 tradition write it off as a “Hallmark holiday” and claim that people should demonstrate their love for one another year round as opposed to just one day of the year. However, we are young, single and in a time where there are not too many guys throwing rocks at our dorm room windows standing in two feet of snow holding Apple iHomes over their heads blasting love songs. If Valentine’s Day is the only time where guys and girls are going out before they are making out, then I say, thank you cupid.
While its true that Valentine’s Day is somewhat of a meaningless holiday meant to drive sales of cards, candy, and carnations, it seems to be one of the last connection our generation has to the traditional definitions of courtship. Gone are the days of being walked to your door and questioning whether or not there would be a good night kiss. Nowadays, a guy buying a girl a drink is supposed to seal the deal. While I agree that Valentine’s Day traditions are extremely commercial, they never fail to make people feel special and loved, which I see no problem with.
For many, Valentine’s Day will be the only time when a guy and a girl will sit down for dinner or hold hands at a movie. Despite the criticisms the holiday will always carry with it, it should be celebrated for the simple reason that it is making dating much more of a presence on college campuses, if only for one day.
It is easy to forget while we are dancing at the Keg and flirting at frat parties that there is more to college relationships than hooking up. Valentine’s Day provides us with a reason to express the feelings that go unexpressed far too often. I am not trying to suggest that starting Feb. 15 people will be swearing off random hookups and subscribing to the ideals of dating past. However, there is something to be said for having a time set aside to demonstrate love, true connection and respect for the people we are with. Commercial or not, our generation is in desperate need of dating reform and Valentine’s Day serves as a great start.