I heart you not

Valentine’s Day is looming guessing from the red and pink displays everywhere. I was sitting in a lecture and didn’t realise my notes were red and pink until the end. Even my subconscious is betraying me.

I think Valentine’s day is too couple-centric. Around this time of year, I see more and more posts on Facebook about single people complaining about being single or complaining about couples.

I think Valentine’s day should not necessarily be about romantic love but also focus on platonic friendships and rebuilding relationships with family and friends.

That idea made me think about what I learned in Sociology last week about strong and weak ties. Weak ties being your relationships with acquaintances and strong ties your relationship with your family and friends; and one statement stood out to me. “The strength of weak ties,” made me think. I remember hearing about the importance of weak ties because it provides you with more opportunities. Why not use Valentine day as a day to make new friendships and strengthen old ones. University, especially first year can be tough and having a support group or a friend will help you out.

It sounds weird but I issued a challenge to myself to meet at least 3 new people on Valentine’s day; either on the bus or at school.

Who wants to join me on my crusade. Feel free to join the challenge and comment on your experiences.