Saddle up, Santa Clara singles: Hit the dating scene
By Jeff Renfro
For some, Valentine's Day is an excuse to lavish that special someone with love and affection, a day to look forward to. For those without someone special to share the day with, Valentine's Day can be unbearable. It is the one day a year that wreaks havoc on romantic self-worth. Fear not, Santa Clara singles, you don't have to spend the night getting drunk or crying yourself to sleep.
Single sophomore Kevin Schwaba has big plans for the evening: "I am going to head into San Francisco. Single women seem to get extra lonely on Valentine's Day and I am more than happy to be there to comfort them."
Heading to an area with a lot of people is definitely a good plan for those looking for companionship. Spending the evening with like-minded strangers might make for interesting conversation and possibly more.
Dan Alvarado, a single junior, plans to visit a casino: "I am going to get a group of guys together and we are going to forget about girls. Gambling always makes me feel better about the fact that I don't have a girlfriend. I get too excited to think about anything else."
Getting off campus and finding an activity to stay occupied for the night is good if you're not looking forward to being surrounded by happy couples.
Freshman Christina Phelan plans on a low-key night. "I am just going to rent a movie and watch it with any of the girls on my floor who are interested. It will probably be a romantic movie, but I don't know if that would be a great idea."
A movie night is always a great option. A romantic movie allows for a group of people to embrace the theme of the evening. If that is not desirable, a comedy or action movie will get everyone's mind off their non-existent dates.
People without significant others do not have to spend the night alone. Take it from single sophomore Paul Kieffer: "Valentine's is on a Friday, so I will be going out to a party. I always keep my eyes open for available ladies, but I will step it up. I will be on the prowl on Valentine's." Parties are a great place to meet a future mate.
Valentine's Day does not have to be an unhappy time for singles; the point is to express love. That love does not have to be limited to the love for a mate. Use the day as an excuse to express love and care for friends and family. Besides, a person shouldn't be judged based upon their relationship status on a holiday made up to sell cards.
û Contact Jeff Renfro at (408) 554-4546 or jrenfro@scu.edu.