February 14 is approaching quickly, which means love is in the air — along with expectations about what people think Valentine’s Day should look like.

Valentine’s Day is a controversial holiday. Some people love it, while others think it is pointless. To gather opinions, we headed into the South High cafeteria to capture unfiltered thoughts from some of the students. Keep reading to find out what they really think about Valentine’s Day.

Valentine’s Day has many origin stories. According to researchers, one common belief is that St. Valentine defied an emperor’s orders by secretly marrying young couples so husbands would not be sent to war. Along with its different origins, Valentine’s Day also holds different meanings for different people.

South High junior Noe Perez said Valentine’s Day is about “having a day to celebrate and enjoy how far you have come with your partner, knowing you care by asking them out even after ups and downs.”

Statistics show that in 2025, companies made roughly $27.5 billion from Valentine’s Day merchandise, which raises the question: Is Valentine’s Day just a commercial holiday? Seniors Briahna Frye and Ashley Pacheco Carmona agreed that it is mostly commercial.

“There’s a lot of pressure to buy gifts and spend money, but I don’t think that’s what makes the day meaningful,” Frye said.

Pacheco Carmona added, “I think florists get the most sales during Valentine’s Day, and a lot more people will buy things if they’re pink.”

During Valentine’s Day, social media often shows extravagant gifts and grand gestures that can leave people feeling pressured to meet certain expectations. When asked if social media affects how people view the holiday, Perez said people often post to show off what they received.

“A lot of people like to post and brag about what they got, and viewers can feel jealous,” Perez said. “But in reality, it’s not about what someone has or receives — it’s about the person they have in their life.”

“You mostly see couples posting big gifts and perfect dates, which can make it seem like that’s what the holiday is supposed to look like, even though that’s not realistic for most people,” Frye said.

For students without dates or plans, Valentine’s Day can feel lonely. Gabriel Ramos and Pacheco Carmona advised those students not to let it bother them.

There are a lot of people out there who have a Valentine and still get mistreated, they said.

Perez added, “It’s OK not to have someone to go out with. Eventually you will, but until then, just be positive and grateful for who you are.”

“Valentine’s Day and how you spend it doesn’t define your worth,” Frye said. “Celebrating yourself, friends or family can make the day special in different ways.”