Today is February 14.It's the day Michelle gets dressed with one central theme to her outfit-the color black.
The unusual thing about her monochromatic ensemble is that today is also Valentine's Day - a day many people associate with reds, pinks and purples.
This is a day Michelle despises and has decided is the perfect holiday to boycott.
"Why on earth should I celebrate a holiday that makes those people that don't have a special someone extremely depressed?" she says.
According to many students on the University of Arizona campus, both single students and those involved in relationships, Valentine's day isn't all that the card stores make it out to be.
There was an immense amount of negativity circling this supposedly love-filled day.
Students said everything from Valentine's Day is "...just a Hallmark holiday created for the consumers," to "it's my favorite day of the year."
The consensus seemed to be that it can be an exciting romantic day for the people who have somebody to hold hands with, but for others it's just a lonely loveless reminder.
People that share Michelle's belief about the holiday say one problem is that society has taken the romance thing too far and have forgotten what cupid's real purpose is.
This little chubby cherub is basically a love god, in charge of shooting his love arrows into people to spread the feeling of kindheartedness and love.
Despite the revenue Hallmark stores, florists, and candy stores collect from Valentine'sDay, the holiday actually has a history that dates back to ancient Roman times.
During those days Christians were commonly persecuted for their beliefs. As legend has it, one particular Christian saint, Valentine, was imprisoned, and one day as he was staring out from his cell window he saw a small violet.
He reached through the window and grabbed the flower.
On the three velvety petals of the violet he wrote the words, "Remember your Valentine" and "I love you." He put the petals on the back of a dove hoping they would get to his family and loved ones.
They did and this day later became known as Valentine's Day.
Many people believe the purpose of this holiday is still much the same - to send loving messages to those around you.
"I almost wish more friends would be willing to be Valentines with friends rather than people who are just dating," says buying boxes of small valentine's with Pooh Bear or Snoopy on the front.
Why do people make such a big deal out of this day, with dinner, or flowers, or balloons?
One student says frankly, "Because I have to. If I don't I'll have hell to pay with my girlfriend."
Obligation seemed to be a big reason for a lot of males.
Another student says he celebrates the occasion, but it is always a headache because there are so many expectations put on it. Some people expect gifts like jewelry or clothes, while others say they are happy with an enjoyable walk through the park or a relaxing picnic lunch.
Jennifer, another UA student, says that all of these expectations are actually the reasons why she doesn't like Valentine's Day.
"I'd rather be surprised on another day of the year when I'm not expecting it," she says.
In addition to February 14 being considered only a Hallmark holiday, it is often deemed a "chick's holiday."
This stereotype is one of the main reasons men say they hate today.
Some guys, just like girls, say they enjoy a little extra TLC or a nice meal with somebody they care about too.
One male student says he's bitter about the holiday because guys put a lot of time and thought into doing something special for somebody they love, and often are unacknowledged for their efforts.
"Last year I made a chair for my girlfriend along with some other special things, and she ended up coming home drunk after a night out with her girlfriends. So I've decided not to do anything big anymore," says Dave, also a UA student.
In spite of this wide range of emotions toward this official day of love, students agree that one thing is certain - if a token of affection doesn't get acknowledged in some way by a loved one, it would be upsetting.
If the feeling is true that Valentine's Day is just a made-up holiday for people in love, it may not be such a bad creation.
As for Michelle, the student in black, she feels it's a day that shouldn't even be marked on the calendar.
"It's highly overrated. Things cost too much, and there's too much red everywhere."
Marci Richards
undeclared freshman
"It's like Thanksgiving. You can be thankful for the love you have."
Robert Sandoval
biochemistry and general biology freshman
"I like it because you get presents."
Julie Jacobs
undeclared freshman
"I think it's wonderful if you're a florist."
Walter Badger
Dawg Daze, Inc.
"It's a good day if you have someone to share it with, but it's not if you don't."
Mindy Bourque
undeclared freshman
"I like to do creative stuff, not commercial."
Phil Cieplinski
psychology sophomore
"I think it's a nice holiday to spend with your loved ones. It doesn't have to be a boyfriend, it could be your mom or dad."
Kristen Baars
undeclared freshman
"I think it's a myth propogated by people who did have lovers to make people who didn't have lovers feel inadequate."
Scott Burgess
journalism senior
