Grace Thomas

A feast for both the eyes and the taste buds, this photo is a visual treat that showcases the artistry and deliciousness of a well-prepared meal. Embrace the spirit of Galentine’s by treating yourself and your friends to this delectable assortment of flavors and unforgettable moments.

As February rolls around, there are two notorious holidays: Tell a Fairytale Day and Valentine’s Day. Here’s a fairytale:

Once upon a time there was a young girl who snapped a guy, then they talked, were in the talking stage, and nothing else happened. A fairytale ending. 

Counselor Catherine Emmerling, says, “Teenagers often get into relationships because it’s really nice to be cared about by someone who cares about you. It makes sense that you want to spend more time and build a relationship.” 

However, according to “HugATeen,” a website that gives guidance and support to teens, a recent study showed that less than 2 percent of high school relationships last and that most high school relationships last 12 to 18 months on average. Why do girls want a relationship and why the rush? 

Olivia Fisko, ‘25 says, “Everybody wants to be loved but at the same time I like being single. There’s a certain responsibility that comes into a relationship where not only do you have to take care of yourself but also someone else, which can be difficult to handle sometimes.’  

Here are a few reasons why it’s better to be single on Valentine’s Day. According to “The Daily Universe,” Brigham Young University’s newspaper, a benefit to being single is having the freedom from the pressure to make the day special. Oftentimes, girls have higher standards because they read too many fictional novels. They expect something sweet and uniquely theirs. 

Another benefit to being single on Valentine’s Day is saving money. Greeting cards, over-priced flowers and chocolates do not make the day worthwhile. According to the “National Retail Federation,” the U.S. has reached a new record spending 25.8 billion on Valentine’s Day this year. 

Fisko also comments that the maximum amount of money she would spend on a significant other would be $30. Sophia Fireman ‘26 also agrees that the maximum amount of money she would spend is $40. 

With all that being said, maybe a $1 carnation is slightly better. 

Jennifer Tesdall, senior student council moderator, says, “The goal of this [the Valentine’s Carnation tradition] is to foster community, friendship and to spread love on Valentine’s Day.” Every year, students are able to send a carnation with a note to a friend.  

Xavier’s Carnation tradition began February 4, 1980. The senior student council needed a way to fund themselves for rallies and other events happening at Xavier. In 1980, the carnations were sold for 3 cents each. In the early 2000s, the senior student council used to also sell love pops, or lollipops, for a quarter and the carnations for a dollar. However, as the campus grew and there was an increase in the desire for love pops it became an “organizational nightmare.” 

“Galentine’s Day is more fun than Valentine’s Day,” Fireman says. “You get to go out with your friends, the people who really love and care for you the most and there’s no drama.” Galentine’s Day is celebrated every year on February 13, which is geared towards celebrating the girls in your life. Galentine’s Day can be celebrated in any way, from dinner parties to movie nights. 

“I love my friends and it’s more important than having a boyfriend or girlfriend. Galentine’s is better to celebrate because you enjoy each other’s company and don’t have to worry about ‘stuck to your partner’ on Valentine’s Day. 

Emmerling also says that she has celebrated Galentine’s Day most of her adult life. This year she’s planning to have dinner at a friend’s house and craft together. 

Nothing says “Be my Valentine” better than “being left on read” by a boy. Let’s not pay the price by being in a relationship that won’t last long. Save yourself from the messiness. Hang out with your Galentines, and stay single.