Don't feel pressured
- Pressure comes from the marketers on Valentine's Day.
- Many people feel there is an obligation to make Valentine's Day one to remember.
By Matt Bishop, Staff Writer
As Valentine’s Day approaches, many a single or taken person can feel the pressures of this commercialized holiday.
Many people feel the need to be with someone special, or give the most amazing gift for their loved one — but that is not what the day should be about.
Learning Support Specialist Mary Turner said, “There’s not any reason to feel compelled to pay attention to Valentine’s Day.”
However, many people feel there is an obligation to make the day one to remember.
“The pressure comes from the marketers because they want people to feel a certain way so they can sell us stuff,” Turner said.
“You don’t have to go out and buy diamonds.
“The important things in life aren’t going to cost a lot of money.”
Turner encourages people who are single this Valentine’s Day to do something with friends.
“Get with friends and do something fun,” she said. “Friends can go out to lunch or see a movie, and even exchange gifts.”
For people who are single, there is no need to feel down about the holiday, Turner said.
“Some individuals feel there is something wrong with them because they haven’t found the right person yet,” she said.
“They just haven’t found the right person yet.”
She said if any students feel left out by the holiday, counseling help is right around the corner.
Turner said students could talk to Kari Workman, Student Support Services counselor, if they are feeling blue around this time of year.
Turner also said men and women may also take Valentine’s Day with different perspectives.
“I think that men and women may look at it differently due to the hype built up,” she said.
“If you are really with the right person, you will have a stronger connection and not feel the pressure.”
Staff Writer Matt Bishop can be reached at SeniorWriter@occc.edu.
