Issue date: 2/13/09 Section: Features

Media Credit: Jeremy Northum [Click to enlarge]

According to my third-grade teacher, Valentine's Day began when St. Valentine, after being rejected by his mistress, took a knife to his chest and sent his still-beating heart to her as proof of his undying love. Since then, the day has evolved into an event for greeting-card companies, flower shops, candy makers and jewelry stores to cash in on the relationship statuses of others.

"I would probably make it [Valentine's Day] a huge deal," said John Baumbheart, a junior chemical engineering major.

When did gifts become a way of showing affection? At, the very least, on Feb. 14, people have become overly superficial.

"It can be a very special day, but sometime it is taken out of hand. Some people try to show their love in outrageous things, but really it is the little things that count," said Meghan Perez, a sophomore communication major.

For Aggies in a relationship, the day will probably include a romantic date where the couple will shower each other with gifts. I propose a change. This year, why don't you skip the cheesy card and give each other something from the heart?

It takes 10 minutes and approximately $20 to buy flowers, candy and a card. If you think your significant others' worth is $20, go for it. Otherwise, why not try being creative? Write a poem or a love letter. Make his or her favorite meal or take her somewhere special. Do something that reminds tthem how much you care.

But what about the rest of us?

"When you're in a relationship, Valentine's Day is great, but when you're single, it's just Feb. 14," said Kassidy Martin, a freshman agricultural economics major.

To have a first date on Feb. 14 would be a little too cliché for me, so I'm considering Valentine's as a day off. Do not mope around, wishing you weren't alone. Celebrate your freedom instead of mourning your loneliness. Do something nice for yourself. I suggest chocolate.

Devil's Food Cupcakes

Makes 18 cupcakes

3 ½ tablespoon soft margarine

Generous ½ cup firmly packed brown sugar

2 large eggs

Generous ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa

½ cup sour cream

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