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Love Does Cost a Thing By: Gia Savage C2016 The nationally recognized day of love is quickly approaching. Valentine’s Day is a yearly event that many may acknowledge with extreme anticipation. One may either look forward to an amazing day of love and chocolates in heart-shaped boxes, or just spend the day as they would any other. However, people in relationships tend to prepare for this holiday with their wallets. It has become a trend to express love with gifts. However, the big question isn’t what the gift is, it’s, “How much are you spending on the gift?” The gift is a symbol of one’s love, but exactly how much does love cost? According to certain news reports, Americans spend a hefty amount of money every year to express their love. Gifts range from candy, flowers, cards, to fancy dinners. How much does all of this cost? Here’s a breakdown of the numbers from Valentine’s Day 2013 (CNN): • $130.97-The average amount that people (per person) will spend on Valentine’s Day • $18.6 billion-The total spending that will be reached by Valentine’s Day • $1.6 billion-The amount that people will spend on candy • $1.9 billion-The amount people will spend on flowers • $4.4 billion-The amount people will spend on diamonds, gold, and silver Since these large figures are being spent on a national level, how much money is being spent within the AUC? What are the opinions on Valentine’s Day? Let’s ask a few students... How much do you plan to spend on Valentine’s Day? This year, I expect to spend close to $50. What do you plan to do for Valentine’s Day? I plan to take my date out to dinner and a movie with flowers. -Aaron Jones, Sophomore English major at Morehouse College What do Valentine’s Day gifts mean to you? I see the gifts as a representation of how much someone appreciates me. Whether it’s expensive or not, it shows that they notice me and that they care. What do you plan to do to celebrate Valentine’s Day? Sarah Nicole Hasley, my roommate, and I have made plans to spend the day getting massages and pedicures. We’re just going to pamper ourselves. -Justice Echols, Sophomore Biology/Pre-Med major at Spelman College How much do you plan to spend on Valentine’s Day? I believe in the quality of the present, not the price. As long as she knows my effort, everything turns out fine. How much do you feel you’re expected to spend on Valentine’s Day and do you expect your date to spend anything on you? Because of the way society has constructed Valentine’s Day, it’s expected that I should definitely spend a lot of money. And, no I don’t expect my date to get me anything. I’ve never been one to ask for gifts or anything. However, she’ll probably do something anyway because she cares about me. -Terrick Gutierrez, Freshman Psychology major at Morehouse College In conclusion, February 14th is a day that can either be spent with the one you love or even with friends. Regardless of what any price tag says, celebrate Valentine’s Day the way you want to with the people or person you want to. Sharing your time with those you care about is actually priceless. The BluePrint SpelmanPaper@gmail.com Feb/March 2014 27