For some people, Valentine’s Day might feel like an overrated holiday with cheap chocolates and flowers (if you’re lucky). However, a few NVD students shared a variety of eye-opening perspectives that broaden the reasons the holiday is celebrated among many, with the main theme being love. Love doesn’t simply come from romantic relationships but can also come from friendships and family too.
With Valentine’s Day steadily approaching, NVD senior, Samaaya Agarwal, brings attention to her own interpretation of Valentine’s Day and how she thinks the holiday should be perceived.
“I think Valentine’s Day is a celebration of love, no matter where it comes from,” Agarwal said. “I think the holiday is very much branded around relationships with significant others, but I think people should break away from that traditional meaning and feel free to celebrate it how they wish.”
Agarwal continued by describing how she has followed her viewpoint and leaves inspiration for others to follow her traditions of past Valentine’s celebrations.
“In the past, I have celebrated Valentine’s Day with my friends, meeting for a night of food and fun. This was very enjoyable for me as we celebrated our love for each other, focusing on one another and how far we have come,” Agarwal said.
On a similar note, Brianna Fawcett, a friend of Agarwal’s, expresses her thoughts on the day of love and what she has experienced.
“I have celebrated Valentine’s Day with my friends by having a ‘Galentine’s day’ and it was great because even when I may be single I knew I still had great and loving friends that I could be surrounded with and celebrate with,” Fawcett said.
The male students at NVD have their own take on Valentine’s Day. For example, Sam DeCosta, shares his viewpoint.
“I guess it’s about love…I don’t see it as an ‘exciting’ holiday as a man. Girls usually get the gifts compared to men. It’s like a woman’s holiday rather than a men’s holiday, but overall it’s nice to spend time with loved ones,” DeCosta said.
Through all of the promotion of love and affection for others on Valentine’s Day, Agarwal opens up about her feelings that many people, young and old, may relate to.
“On Valentine’s Day, I often feel very warm inside by choosing to spend the day with people I love. Being around these people fulfills me, and reminds me of the memories we have made together,” Agarwal said.
On the other hand, another senior, Salma Benabdessadek, feels a little more discouraged than others.
“Though the little traditions that I do with my family and friends make Valentines Day …something to look forward to, it is also a reminder that I am single as this holiday is usually used to commemorate relationships, and especially the tradition of having a “valentine” just serves as a reminder that I don’t have one,” Benabdessadek said.
Some girls also believe social media heavily influences the standards of Valentine’s Day.
“I believe that social media almost increases the pressure of celebrating the holiday with a significant other, and feeds into the consumerism of the holiday by spotlighting gifts and other items they may purchase in celebration of it,” Agarwal said.
Furthermore, Fawcett provides insight for how social media tends to promote Valentine’s Day and the standards for the celebration of love.
“I think social media has definitely made it a more widespread holiday in which you see and are exposed to it through stories of people saying Happy Valentine’s Day to their significant others or posting even their friends,” Fawcett said.
Still, there is debate about whether Valentine’s Day should be more serious or casually celebrated. Agarwal remains on a positive note for the rest of society to feel free to see the holiday as they please.
“I think Valentine’s Day should be treated more casually, because it makes the holiday more inviting to celebrate,” Agarwal said. “By making it more casual, people feel less pressure to celebrate with a significant other and therefore may seek to celebrate the other forms of love in their life, which is always a good reminder.”
NVD students’ relatable experiences and ideas of Valentine’s Day leave a hopeful mark for others to consider when Feb. 14, 2026 arrives.
“If you have someone in your life who you love or appreciate, it is a day where you can show that to them and make them feel valued and special by putting some effort in,” Fawcett said. “It should always be a fun and loving experience.”
