Valentine?s Day is just around the corner and love is in the air, or is it?

For most, Valentine?s Day brings to mind thoughts of romance, while some look at the holiday as a time to have fun.

?I will more than likely be having a few friends over,? Craig Zuercher, ?07, said, ?most of which are friends from other schools. I don?t like the pressure of a date.?

Others prefer not to fight the bustle of the holiday season.

?Usually I just sit home and watch a few movies with my friends,? Paul Kinnear, ?07, said. ?It beats fighting the traffic around River Park.?

In addition, some use sayings such as ?be mine? or simply ?happy Valentine?s Day? to display their affection or, in some cases, comedic messages with serious undertones.

Sometimes Valentine?s Day can help set up other important days. For example, drama teacher Tom McEntee?s birthday is on Feb. 18, a mere four days from love?s pivotal day.

?In my house the successful execution of Valentine?s Day is the greatest single influence on how my birthday will be celebrated,? McEntee said without a smile. ?If I pay attention to the innumerable details and show my Valentine how special she is to me, my birthday often will yield a wealth of gifts.

?On the other hand, if I forget Valentine?s Day or cheapen it in some way, the same will happen to my special day. One year I took her to a hockey game to celebrate Valentines.? Let?s just say, it was bad. I only got a card that year.?

With some creativity, an original spin can be put on tried but true sayings can be used on the day of love.

?I think the best way to express yourself would be to say, ?smile, someone loves you?,? Michael Prentice, ?08, said. ?It usually gives a laugh to the conversation.?

As the traditional ?be mine? seems rather trite, others find alternative sayings to express their emotions.

?My favorite would have to be ?I love you, with warm blood,?? Michael Bowin, ?08, said. ?It expresses a deep emotion while still being quite funny.?

The holiday is named after Saint Valentine, who is said to have served as a priest during the third century in Rome. While he was in prison, he often sent letters to a girl, concluding with, ?From your Valentine.?

Every February across the nation, candy and flowers are exchanged with kind words. On average, an American eats about 27 pounds of candy per year, much of it during Valentine?s week. For more information on Valentine’s Day history, go to www.historychannel.com/exhibits/valentine/.

?I?ve always loved Valentine?s Day,? Amanda Bearden, ?09, said. ?I just think it?s a really sweet time of year but can be fraught with disappointment.

?One time my mom and dad and I went to Disneyland on Valentine?s Day. We spent the weekend there and had a great time. Everyone there was happy. No one was depressed on a day that is supposed to be happy but often turns disappointing. I had a great time giving hugs to all the characters even though I only knew them as cartoon personalities.?

While Valentine?s Day remains the holiday of love, Feb. 14 does not have to be a gloomy day for those who are without that special someone.