What’s in the water lately? It seems that everywhere I turn there is love petals blossoming in the wind, or mainly in the Hinckley Halls common room. It seems to have become the domain of many a newly happy couple whispering sweet nothings into each others’ ears, making out shamelessly on the common room chairs which were definitely only built for one, serenading each other with a piano and/or guitar, playing tactless games of “footsie,” or even spooning for the whole wide world to see. What is with the mass influx of couples in my living quarters? Why must they so publicly share their feelings for each other with the rest of the world as well? Why do I feel like I need a blindfold and perhaps some ear plugs every time I saunter through the common room to the vending machine room for a snack?
My friend Tyson blames the cold weather, which he says has driven the couples indoors. Other friends blame the dorm “visiting hours” which prohibit the happy couples from spooning in the privacy of their own rooms. I, however, blame the upcoming ever-popular holiday, “Valentine’s Day.” To me it seems like these couples have formed out of the blue, solely to evade the ever-awkward situation of sending yourself Valentine’s Day Chocolates. I know what you are thinking, and it probably goes something like this: “Sierra, you’re just bitter because the last decent Valentine’s Day you had was in the sixth grade.” You are absolutely right. I have had a string of bad Valentine’s Days, and I AM bitter. There was the year in Hawaii that my brother and sister were both on the brink of engagements but I was estranged from my first actual sweetheart and couldn’t even call him. There was the anti-climactic Valentines Day where I was dating someone but insisted that we not celebrate, and the idiot actually took my suggestion seriously. And then was the infamous Valentine’s Day that I was broken up with one day prior to the holiday, and two days after being named the school’s “Cutest Couple” (No hard feelings, Jimmy haha). So needless to say, I miss the days of my youth where everyone got cards in their makeshift oatmeal box Valentine receptacles.
Now, as usual, I say most of this in jest. Except when I hear slurping noises, I harbor no actual bitterness for these afore mentioned happy couples. And I must remind myself that with the exception of February 14, I am typically quite happy to be single. In fact I write this not in lament, but rather as a decidedly celebratory declaration! I intend to spend this Valentine’s Day in the most exciting of ways! I will decorate a little mailbox and shower myself with chocolates. I will make little cards for everyone whom I love! I do not need to be so visibly in love to let others know that I love them. It is decided. Valentine’s Day is going to be a great day. I might even wear pink.

And who knows… I still have fourteen days left ☺