Sophomore McKenzie Lowry has no Valentine for Valentine’s Day, and that’s the way she prefers it.

"If I want a heart-shaped box of candy, I’ll buy it myself," says the single girl. "I like being single because I have more time for myself. Boys aren’t worth my time."

Lowry is one of many singles who say they do not need to be in a relationship to be happy with their lives. She and others like her will celebrate Single Awareness Day on February 14 – the same day couples will celebrate Valentine’s Day. Some – especially in Italy - prefer to celebrate Single Awareness Day the day after Valentine’s Day, when restaurants are less crowded and the candy is on sale.

Single Awareness Day was popularized last year when it was featured as part of a storyline on the TV show Gossip Girl. But even singles who did not see the episode know how to treat themselves with dinners out, gatherings with other single friends or vacationing somewhere special without a Valentine.

These are many other students who expect to be single on Valentine’s Day this year. Senior Raphael Braceful is an example of a dateless wonder on Valentine’s Day. "I just broke up with my girlfriend, says Braceful. His plans for Single Awareness Day? "Nothing; chilling,"
he says. And he’s fine with that, he says, "because I don’t have to worry about no one else but myself."

Freshman Descjuan Bennett also plans to dodge Cupid’s arrow this year. "I don’t like being in relationships," says Bennett. "I like being single because, I can still mingle with other girls."