By Julia Conforti, staff writer
Valentine’s Day is the day of love, where couples feel as if it’s a requirement to impress and treat their significant other as if they were kings or queens. It’s celebrated in America, Canada, the UK, Mexico, Australia, France, Italy, Denmark, and Japan.
“It’s the most Hallmark Holiday of the entire year,” said Shaun Bills, a Medical Science Academy junior. Some people will be going out with their boyfriend or girlfriend or spouse while others will be doing nothing or (the more eccentric types) will be looking at their favorite celebrities online.
“If you count looking at celebrities online, then that’s my date,” said Andie Bernhardt, a General Studies sophomore.
This split in the American view on Valentine’s has made it a much despised day of the year, while others are just trying their hardest to keep the love alive. Some voice their hopes that those who participate don’t pay attention to their companion on Valentine’s Day alone, and the last group simply doesn’t care about the romantic holiday at all.
Valentine’s Day is also the holiday of procrastination as well. According to studies held by history. com, 50 percent of Valentine’s Day cards are bought within the six days prior to the Feb. 14. Most students and teachers aim much higher than that number though. Most people think a strong 75 percent or 90 percent are bought within that time period.
Despite all the complaining and berating of oth- ers, Valentine’s Day does gain candy companies and other stores tons of cash. In 2014, Valentine’s Day contributed about $17.3 billion to the economy, according to the National Retail Federation. So it seems that Cupid’s day will be here to stay for years to come.