By: Alex Miceli

Now that the actual date of February 14 has come and gone and most people have gotten over their chocolate comas and makeup/breakups, take a look back at the holiday that holds the interest of so many. Nothing evokes more emotion and interesting facial expressions than the words “Valentine’s Day”. Depending on your relationship status, February 14 can be exciting and sweet, depressing and full of angst, or anywhere in between. Even for people who are happily in a relationship, Valentine’s Day isn’t always a cakewalk. People attach so much importance to the holiday that it’s a small wonder half the celebrating population doesn’t faint from the pressure to do something amazing.  Nevertheless, for most people, Valentine’s Day is simply a happy holiday to spend with someone they care about.  In fact, that image of happiness is so accepted and aspired for by people today that most of us forget where Valentine’s Day started.
Valentine’s Day is named for St. Valentine, although, who this man actually was is a mystery. It is known he was alive during the times of Ancient Rome, but there are three men by the name of Valentine or Valentinus who were martyred by the Romans.  One story says that Valentine was a priest who married lovers in secret when Emperor Claudius II banned single soldiers from marrying. Another myth says that he sent the first valentine himself. Not knowing the truth about Valentine didn’t stop the holiday’s popularity; by the Middle Ages, valentines were popping up like Whack-a-Moles, and they haven’t lost their appeal since.

Sure, Valentine’s Day has some interesting history, but what most people really care about is whether or not they’ll have an awesome holiday with presents and kisses all around.  If they get what they want, everything’s sunshine and daisies, but how many times have you heard of Valentine’s Days gone wrong? Whether it was a miscommunication or just plain awkward, here are a few stories from fellow FRA students who have had some less-than-stellar Valentine’s Day experiences.

Junior Haley Rogers laughed when she said, “My ex-boyfriend took me to Wal-Mart and bought me a pink bouncy ball.” Freshman Nick Page wasn’t quite able to laugh his bad February 14 off. “My cat died and a girl kissed me. This was way back when I still thought girls had cooties.” Senior Allison Grant said, “I went on a double date- with my date’s parents.”