Valentine’s Day is approaching quickly. Many people are looking forward to spending time with their loved ones, but not everyone. Valentine’s Day can make people who are single feel insecure or unloved if they don’t have a romantic partner in their life. Instead of planning cutesy outings, these people are dreading this U.S. holiday.
Single Awareness Day, also known as SAD, is celebrated on February 15th each year. It is considered an unofficial holiday, and a day to celebrate all unmarried people or people who are not in a romantic relationship to embrace their single life. SAD was created in 2001 by a high school student who started it with his group of friends. A lot of people are unaware that this unofficial holiday even exists, even though a similar day is celebrated in other countries.
Single Awareness Day is also referred to as an antithesis, which means that it is the opposite of Valentine’s Day. Single Awareness can also be negatively observed as the inability to find love, although some would disagree, as they choose to be single.
Many single people view their single lifestyle as a positive thing. For example, some enjoy having more time for themselves and focusing on their own interests.
“You have more opportunities with people, you can talk with whoever you want because in relationships you can’t talk to certain people, because they won’t allow you,” said Marshfield High School sophomore Jonathan Millan Estrada, about being in a controlling relationship.
Another positive aspect is not having to spend money on someone all the time such as buying gifts, flowers, food, and much more. Some singles enjoy spending money on themselves, instead, and appreciate their own priorities.
On SAD, many people will go on a date, either with someone else or alone. Women may choose to have a galentine’s day; men could use it as a night out. Single people can still show love in other ways, such as showing love and care toward friends and family.
“Yes I do show love to my friends and family by buying them gifts and spending time with them,” stated MHS student Annhelena Vancannon.
Singletons appreciate having a day to celebrate themselves, so that other coupled friends can join their plans instead of the opposite.
“I hate how sometimes I have to third wheel some couples,” said Vancannon. “I [end up] looking like their kid when I’m third wheeling them.”
Regardless of how February is celebrated, there is a holiday for everyone. Instead of being sad and lonely around Valentine’s Day, single people can now get out there and celebrate themselves.