by Erin Kwasniewski, BP Staff Writer

February 07, 2008

      Valentines Day will be arriving shortly; do you have a valentine or special someone this year? Whether you’re single or in a relationship, Valentines Day can be a big deal and come with a great amount of responsibility. There are many questions of what to get, where to go, and what to do if you’re single and don’t want to feel left out.  So I, “Dear Carebear”, will be answering questions and providing fun and cheap activities for singles and couples to do on Valentine’s Day.

            Dear Care bear,

My name is Cecil, and I have been dating this girl for a couple months. I am having a problem finding the right gift. I don’t want to spend too much money or come off cheap, but we are not serious enough yet for me to invest in an expensive gift. What could I get her that will be thoughtful and not put me into debt?

 Sincerely, Minimum Wage Cecil

            Dear Minimum Wage Cecil,

There are a lot of things you could get her without spending too much money. It isn’t about the money you spend or what you get a girl, it is the thought and effort put behind it. One great way to go for a gift is to make one! A homemade card is sweet and shows that you took the time to make it for her. Another cheap but thoughtful alternative is to make her a dinner. You can either use ingredients at home or buy spaghetti. It is cheaper than buying her dinner and a nice gesture. Just make sure whatever you get or make her shows that you care about her and she will be sure to love it. Hope that helps!

            Hello Carebear,

I am not the date type. I would rather stay in and watch a game, but I want to take a girl out for Valentines Day. What are some fun activities we could do without being to romantic and serious?

 Thanks a lot, Not Wanting to Commit, Bryan

Dear Non Committing Bryan,

That is a commonly asked question. There are a lot of fun activities you can do that would be perfect for your situation. A great and friendly thing to do is go to the park. While it may seem childish, that is the point! You can walk around, swing and talk. It is fun and casual without the date pressure. Also, you could go out to lunch. A dinner on Valentines Day can seem date-ish especially because couples will be out. You could also let the girl choose what to do. It is nice to let her pick, and then she will be able to pick something she is comfortable with. Good Luck!

                       Carebear

Get ready couples; this is your day! This is the perfect time to embrace your relationship and have fun with your partner. India Keller, a Senior, has been in a relationship for three years now and looks forward to Valentine’ Day. “We will probably go out to dinner, nothing too special but it will still be nice,” Keller said. There are a lot of other activities you can do, such as, going for a walk, ice-skating, go see a movie and shopping for each other. Valentines Day isn’t all about where you go but sometimes what you get. “My boyfriend John is probably going to buy me something expensive and I’ll love it,” said Gloria Zenisek, a Senior. As mentioned earlier, some great gift ideas are homemade ones or practical and thoughtful ones. It is a safe bet to go with a more traditional gift like a bouquet or chocolate.

            Single this year? Don’t worry-there are still plenty of fun activities for you to do. There is probably a good chance you’re not going to be the only single one this year! “Valentines day is almost like a club, you have to be a couple to fit in,” said Junior Carlina Sweigert. This is not always the case; you can have just as much fun as a couple. Go splurge on yourself, get a manicure or pedicure. Go play Basketball with your single guy friends. You can have a singles party, invite all your single friends, and who knows, by the end of the night you may not be single anymore! “Valentines Day can be awesome,” Senior Nate Green said. Have fun this year, and remember to be thoughtful and don’t chew with your mouth open at dinner!