KAWACHI: Just a day

February 14^th. Valentine’s Day. Singles Awareness Day.

If you’re one of the lucky ones with a special someone in your life, it’s a joyful day. Sure, the day is a bit of a consumerist holiday, but nevertheless, it’s celebrated; it’s full of sweet gestures of affection and part of the social paradigm in which we live. The day is full of flowers, candy, reservations at fancy restaurants and an assortment of gifts.

For me, however, and I’m sure many others, it’s just another day . . . possibly filled with bitterness. I know it’s just one day to endure – it’s not much of a big deal, to be honest, but when it seems as though all your friends have someone to spend their time with in a romantic sense, you tend to feel a bit disheartened.

Dating in college – that’s a whole other story. The way I see it, most students in college aren’t looking for a serious relationship; I think it’s safe to say that’s the majority’s view. I can’t say that it’s a wrong view to have – to each his or her own, really. I understand: it’s college. “We are young,” as the song goes. Especially for freshmen, college life is new and exciting, and full of freedom. While I don’t mean to be sexist, it’s safe to assume that most college males in particular have this outlook. I’m sure many girls do as well, but I think the majority of females want something more committed.

I know there’s nothing wrong with casual dating. It’s part of the place and age we’re at in life. College is supposed to be full of fun and experiences, without anything tying us down. But for some reason, I can’t wrap my head around this idea.  Maybe it’s because I’m traditional – I’m an old soul, born in the wrong generation.  That being said, I have not had the best of luck in finding a significant other.

My mom always says the clichéd, “there are many fish in the sea” line. Either that or the fact that I have to endure “many toads” before finding the “frog prince.” And, to be honest, I’ve met my fair share of toads here at BU. But that’s just it, isn’t it? That’s part of the dating process. It’s part of life. Sometimes, you’re dealt an unfortunate hand that you have to endure.

I know there’s nothing wrong with staying single. And sometimes, I also forget the value of being on my own. It’s good to have alone time; how else are you supposed to be with someone when you don’t know how to be with yourself?

So, to all you single people out there, embrace singledom. things, and maybe then – just maybe – good things will happen. At least, that’s what I’m holding on to.

Whether you’re spending the 14^th with a significant other or just a friend, make it a good one – have a Happy Valentine’s Day.

Krissen Kawachi is a freshman in the College of Arts and Sciences and a weekly columnist for The Daily Free Press. She can be reached at k.kawachi@gmail.com