Valentine’s Day can feel inevitable on a college campus, especially for those who are single. From themed campus events to social media filled with couples, flowers, and matching outfits, the holiday often creates pressure to participate in romance, even for those who may not be interested or emotionally ready. For students who may not be in a relationship or might not be emotionally available for one, Valentine’s Day can bring feelings of comparison, isolation, or even self-doubt. While Valentine’s Day is traditionally associated with romantic love, many students are redefining what the holiday looks like for them.
On campuses like Florida A&M University, where school spirit and celebrations are a big part of student life, Valentine’s Day can amplify feelings of comparison. The atmosphere alone can make the holiday feel heavier than expected. The energy surrounding the day can be exciting, but it can also intensify feelings of missing out for students who do not fit into the traditional Valentine’s Day narrative.
For Jamari Haynes, a second-year criminal justice major at Florida A&M University, the energy surrounding Valentine’s Day is noticeable. “I feel the FOMO in the air, not gonna lie, because FAMU knows how to celebrate a holiday,” Haynes said. While he enjoys seeing the excitement on campus, he shared that he usually keeps his Valentine’s Day low-key to avoid feeling overwhelmed. To cope, Haynes intentionally keeps his Valentine’s Day low-key. “I usually just stay in my room and chill so I dont get emotional.”
Haynes’ experience reflects how some students choose to distance themselves from the holiday in order to protect their mental and emotional well-being. For many, stepping back from Valentine’s Day festivities is not about bitterness, but rather about self-preservation. College students are already navigating academic pressure, social expectations, and personal growth, and adding romantic comparison into the mix can feel like too much.
Although some students choose to distance themselves around the holiday, others use Valentine’s Day as an opportunity to focus on self-love and friendship rather than romantic expectations. For many, celebrating does not require a partner, just intention.
Second-year Lynah Lockett, an English major at Florida A&M University, embraces Valentine’s Day in her own way. “I like to buy myself chocolates to remind myself that im worth it,” Lockett said. She acknowledged that social media can increase pressure to present a perfect holiday, but spending time with friends helps shift her mindset. “I definitely feel the pressure from social media, but I also like to spend it with my girls and still have something to celebrate.”
For Lockett, spending time with friends transforms Valentine’s Day from a reminder of what she does not have into a celebration of what she does. Friendships, she explained, provide a sense of love and support that is often overlooked during a holiday centered on romantic relationships. This approach allows students to reclaim the day and redefine its meaning in a way that feels authentic to them.
Experiences like these highlight how Valentine’s Day does not carry the same meaning for every student or person. While some choose solitude and reflection, others prioritize community and connection. Whether it’s a day spent staying in, practicing self-care, or surrounding oneself with friends, the holiday can be shaped to fit individual needs.
While Valentine’s Day is often marketed as a celebration of romance, it can also serve as a reminder that love exists in many forms. On a college campus filled with constant comparison, choosing how to spend the day, with or without a partner, can be a meaningful act of self-awareness. For single students, surviving Valentine’s Day is not about ignoring the holiday altogether; it is about deciding what love looks like for them.
