Hey, Andrew. It’s Cassandra here. I emailed your bu address, but didn’t know your Freep address. My friend wrote a perspective and wanted me to forward it to you. I attached a word document to the email I sent to your bu addy. Here’s a copy and paste copy if, by some chance, you didn’t get the other email:

Redeeming Valentine’s Day for the Single Woman by Annicka Webster

And let’s face it, that’s a large portion of the BU population. To be fair, I suppose this is just as applicable to single men as it is to single women. I can’t count the number of times I’ve heard people lamenting the depression that often comes with the mere mention of Valentine’s Day. It can make people feel lonely and pathetic, being surrounded by a holiday that celebrates love while they’re left without someone to share it with. I have just one thing to say. People, get over it. I’m not about to be all Oprah about it and tell you that you should take Tuesday to love yourself, treat yourself to a trip to the spa or a little chocolate indulgence. Instead, I do suggest being excited about a day of love. Get out and love somebody. Love is more than just romance. Personally, I’m quite fond of Valentine’s Day. I like everything about it. I like knowing that millions of roses are given out all over the place. I like that you’re allowed to eat chocolate without feeling even a little bit guilty. I like that it’s OK to dot your i’s with hearts. Remember first grade when you had to give valentines to all of your classmates, so you went out and got the best Ninja Turtle valentines you could find? “Cowabunga, Valentine!” Maybe you hated that. I thought it was great. I still giggle at a card that features a bee, cheerfully requesting, “Honey, please bee mine.” Maybe this year is the year to revive that custom. Everyone likes to be appreciated, so why not use Tuesday as an excuse to tell your friends that you love them? Leave them a little note or a pretty piece of candy. I’m not just endorsing the commercial side, either. Go all out, and make up an outrageous song to wake up your roommate or a ridiculous poem about how your friend’s new kicks are totally sweet. Leave big sloppy lipstick marks on the cheeks of all your friends. Call your mom. And how about those conversation hearts? They’re so darn cute and functional too. I know that kids from your Spanish class may not take the candy’s advice and actually fax you, but I’m sure they’ll think nice thoughts about you. If nothing else, it will give them something to smile about. Maybe they’re feeling bitter about Valentine’s Day, too. If you just can’t get into the holiday enough to rain Hershey’s kisses on your friends and housemates, try focusing on the selfless aspect of love. Take some time to volunteer a little or give a little moo-la to charity. Buy a meal for a homeless person. There are so many chances to give a little bit of yourself to someone else, and believe me, it’ll be worth it. Valentine’s love in the form of giving is sweet and beautiful. Valentine’s Day should not be equated with thoughts of doom and depression. It’s nice as a serious holiday or as a light-hearted feel-good day. The moral of the story (or article, as it were) is that Valentine’s Day should be used to celebrate the many loves in your life: your friends, your family, Ben, Jerry. Don’t be lame and mope all day. Just turn up the Beatles and open up your heart a little. All you need is love.