By DAX BENWAY, Student Reporter
Valentine’s Day is romantic for some people, but others say it puts a lot of pressure on a relationship. Here is what some Rangers had to say about it.
Jaden Brunnemer, a sophomore agriculture major from Stillwater, said: “I think Valentine’s Day puts added pressure on a relationship because of the societal expectations that you have to give or receive the perfect gift from your loved one. A tip for making it less stressful is to pay attention to things your loved one likes or needs.”
Kingston Leota, a freshman business and accounting major from Euless, Texas, said: “If the love is really real, the expectations shouldn’t put any pressure on the relationship because you should want to … exceed those expectations for your significant other. I think the main tip for not making it pressured is to just understand you and your loved one’s relationship and how you both feel about the holiday and to just communicate. Like in all relationships, communication is one of the biggest factors. As long as y’all are on the same page, the expectations become easier to meet.”
Wilson Cal, a sophomore health and sports science major from Fullerton, California, said:
“I think it just depends on how you look at it. If you just started talking, it might be awkward and end up one-sided. But if you guys have spent time together, it should be genuine, and there shouldn’t be any pressure at all.”
Reagan Brown, a psychology major from Midwest City, said: “Girls have expectations on how they want their Valentine’s Day to be. Also, social media has made a big impact on how Valentine’s Day should be a huge deal in a relationship.
Don’t compare your relationship to other people’s and what you see on social media. Don’t make that the only day you express your love for your significant other.”
Jerika Coon, an elementary education major from Sapulpa, said: “Valentine’s Day expectations might impose an excessive amount of stress on some people’s relationships, especially newly formed ones. It all depends on how you and your partner connect, as well as how you both commemorate special occasions and holidays together.”
Jake Freeny, a health and sports science major from Stillwater, said: “I think that Valentine’s Day doesn’t really put a lot of pressure on relationships. Obviously, you get each other something on Valentine’s Day, but it is more than just a day that you give each other. It’s a celebration of loving each other every day, and sometimes it’s well deserved. You can look at it as a reward for working so hard on a relationship that sometimes can be hard.”
Genesis Rodriguez, a junior business administration major from San Antonio, Texas, said:
“I think Valentine’s Day expectations do, in fact, put a lot of pressure on relationships. Taking someone out to eat would not be ideal because what if the food is not good or bad service? Then it kind of rains on the day. Gift giving is the best gesture, in my opinion, but you also have to know what your partner likes and doesn’t. … If your partner is upset about the gift you got them because it was ‘too small,’ ‘too big’ or even the restaurant wasn’t good enough, then you might need to rethink your relationship. In order to make this day special … communicate with your partner and ask them what they’d like to do.”
Kes Reeves, a senior health and sports science major from Kingston, said: “Valentine’s Day expectations put too much pressure on relationships. Social media is the main reason for seeing public relationships and what they do for their significant other. Tips for not making it pressured are understanding that not everything you see on social media is true and having realistic expectations for the holiday.”
