Valentine’s Day not dreaded by all single ladies

In the Arts and Entertainment article, "Do Valentine's Day the single way," published last week, Valentine's Day was dubbed, "the day singles everywhere dread." Respectfully, I would have to disagree. When did "V-Day," become as infamously tragic as "D-Day?"
While I understand that those who do not have a significant other might be particularly jaded on a holiday that glorifies candy hearts, red roses and "I love you," teddy bears, they do not deserve to be treated as sub-human simply because Feb. 14 has yet again rolled around.

Students who haven't found their "prince or princess," (as if for one day the Gonzaga campus has magically turned into the enchanted forests of Disney movies everywhere) do not need to be spoon fed ideas on how to keep themselves away from romantic comedies, ice cream containers and tissue boxes. Don't pity me because I'm single.

Don't get me wrong, I agree with and appreciate the alternative Valentine's Day options brought up last week, such as dinner and drinks downtown with some friends or sticking to your normal routine, I just don't understand the need for such options to be outlined in a tone that depicts singles as "those less fortunate."

As Gonzaga students, we are smart, competent individuals. We wouldn't be here if we weren't. So who's to say that when the clock strikes midnight on Feb. 14, single students will suddenly lose their ability to think about anything other than how they are to possibly survive the day when their princess or prince charming is still off running around the woods on a white horse. 

In today's modern world where it's deemed OK to settle down later in life, go through several intimate partners before finally meeting "the one," and find love once again after divorce, why are we freaking out about Valentine's Day in college?

At 20 years old, we're bred to relish the fact that we can stay out until all hours, wake up unaware of the previous night's shenanigans and repeat after a much- needed day of rest and Advil without having to answer to anyone. It is against human nature for adults of our age to settle down. Although commitment is the right choice for some, it's not necessarily for everyone at this stage in our young lives.

Another age-old stereotype about Valentine's Day is the gender debate. The "single way" article states that Feb. 14 is a day when, "single girls everywhere cry themselves to sleep watching ‘P.S. I Love You.'"

With what flawed stereotype do I begin?

1. I have already addressed my opinion that contrary to popular belief, single people will not magically die on Valentine's Day.

2. Last I checked both men and women were involved in relationships in society, so why hate on the girls?  This statement is simply fueling the classic, sexist view that women are not only more invested in relationships than men, but are emotionally unstable. I know plenty of single girls, as I'm sure we all do. Not one of which sobbed into their pillows on Sunday night due to the viewing of a completely cliché "chick flick." Although I am unaware of any women who stayed at home feeling completely helpless simply because they are man-less (or woman-less for that case, relationship-less in general), I do know many who lived it up with a night of beer, buddies and breaking it down on the dance floor.
Whether you celebrated Valentine's Day with your sweetheart or kicked it solo, I'd like to take a minute to recognize the single girls who, miraculously, survived the holiday alone. Let me quote Beyonce, one of the great minds of our generation, and say, "All the single ladies, now put your hands up."

Megan Hervey is a junior at Gonzaga