Do you think Valentine’s Day should be an official holiday? Why or why not?

No. Absolutely not. We already have enough holidays where people are pretending to be happy. Now you want a mandatory day of romance? That’s a disaster. If love needs a federal mandate, we’re in real trouble as a society. – Tyler Brietzke

I do not think it should be an official holiday. The reason is, what are you honoring? Most holidays are meant to honor or commemorate people for the acts they have done. – Michael Yauney

I don’t think Valentine’s Day needs to be an official holiday. It’s more about showing people you care than something that everyone needs to celebrate. – Zoey Murry 

 What does Valentine’s Day mean to you personally?

It means awkward expectations. It means someone saying, “So… what are we doing?” and me thinking, “We were doing fine yesterday. It’s a day that takes a perfectly normal relationship and puts it under a microscope. No one needs that. – Tyler Brietzke

A reflection of lucky and unlucky, I have had people who mean more than acquaintances. – Michael Yauney

To me, it’s a chance to show friends, family, or someone special that you care about them. It’s more about the thought than gifts or big plans. – Zoey Murry  

Do you celebrate Valentine’s Day? If so, how?

“Celebrate” is a strong word. I participate enough to avoid consequences. That’s the goal. Minimal effort, maximum peace. – Tyler Brietzke

I don’t. Why buy flowers? It’s like giving someone a gift that is dying. Candy just adds to the scale, so I don’t like that either. – Michael Yauney 

Yeah, I celebrate it in small ways. Like giving a card, hanging out with someone I care about, or just doing something nice for friends or family. – Zoey Murry 

What positive messages does Valentine’s Day promote?

It promotes expressing love… publicly… on schedule… with proof. Which is great, if you enjoy deadlines and judgment. Otherwise, it’s a little aggressive. – Tyler Brietzke

For some, couples may not have romance. They may not get the time due to schedules or work that gives them a mandate to “make time”. I also see a lot of people in the puppy stage of their relationships, celebrating, which is cute to see. – Michael Yauney 

It’s really about love and kindness. It reminds people to appreciate the people in their lives and to be thoughtful. – Zoey Murry 

Do you think Valentine’s Day creates pressure for people? Why?

Pressure? It’s all pressure. If you’re single, you’re reminded. If you’re in a relationship, you’re tested. If you’re married, you’re already in trouble for something—you just don’t know what yet. – Tyler Brietzke

I do, some may not be as fortunate as I to have found the “one”. I also feel bad for those who have lost loved ones, as it can be a difficult time. – Michael Yauney 

Sometimes it does. There’s a lot of pressure to give gifts or plan something perfect, and that can be stressful if you don’t have someone to celebrate with or can’t spend a lot of money. – Zoey Murry 

What would you say to someone who thinks Valentine’s Day shouldn’t be celebrated?

I’d say you’re brave for saying it out loud. And also correct. But unfortunately, society has decided this is happening every year, whether we like it or not. Best strategy? Keep your head down and get through February 14th with as little damage as possible. – Tyler Brietzke

I totally get it because I am one of them. If you can’t love someone every day, why are we just picking this one day too? – Michael Yauney 

I’d say that’s fine—everyone can choose how they feel about it. But it can be a good reminder to show people you care, even in small ways.  – Zoey Murry