Although millions of people swoon over the Valentine’s Day excitement each year, some find the holiday not quite as charming.Three Nicholls students happen to fall into this category. Proud to proclaim their non-conformity, they each shared why the day holds a place of dissatisfaction in their hearts.
Natalie Worsham, history sophomore from Houma, usually dislikes Valentine’s Day. However, she has a particular reason to dislike the holiday this year.
“I usually hate Valentine’s Day because I think it’s really worked up,” Worsham said. “You kind of set yourself up for disappointment if your boyfriend doesn’t come give you like a dozen roses. I really hate it this year because I have to go to a wedding and I’m not allowed to bring a guest. I have to be alone on Valentine’s Day without my boyfriend.”
Kate Williams, history junior from Covington, was specific in her word use when referring to how she feels about the holiday.
“It’s more like I loathe it,” Williams said. “It puts a lot of pressure on people. It’s unrealistic. People think if they don’t get a certain gift, then someone must not care about them.”
Williams’ experience in the retail industry places her directly in the line of fire when it comes to dealing with Valentine’s Day merchandising and advertising, making her dislike the holiday even more.
“It’s everywhere! I work in retail, I see it all the time, big hearts and cards and candy.” Williams says. “We have the media telling us ‘you have to get something for Valentine’s Day or you fail!'”
Michael Gremillion, English junior from Garyville, is a proud male-hater of the holiday. His initial feelings of distaste come from childhood memories.
“It’s not a good feeling being in your high school classes, with everyone around you getting candy and the suchlike from secret valentines, or known ones, and you getting absolutely nothing.” Gremillion said.
Over time, his feelings toward the holiday have not moved in a more positive direction.
“It’s a highly commercialized holiday that attempts to capitalize on moments of true human compassion. Love should be mutual, and Valentine’s Day feels like a gauntlet for men to prove they love women.” Gremillion said. “Not that I mind giving gifts to someone I am actually in love with, but the marketing, the feel of it is very overwhelmingly biased towards women.”
Though the Valentine’s Day holiday may be all about love, it certainly does not get love from everyone.
