The Skyliner

Issue date: 2/7/07 Section: Entertainment & Features

April Wynn
Staff Writer


Valentine's Day is the official day of love. The day where the fat little angle kid comes at you with a bow and arrow; only these days it's aimed at your wallet and not your heart. The whole day that is devoted to letting that special someone know just how much you care for him or her. Hallmark Cards are being printed, chalky candy hearts with corny phrases are being put up on shelves and flower stores are stocking up, and then it hits you. None of this will adequately show your significant other your true affection for them. As a college student, your bank account cannot show them either.

College students barely home enough time to sleep, let alone work. Our job right now is being a student, and with the salary of a student, there is no room in the budget for a romantic evening out on the town. There is hope guys, contrary to popular belief according to the advertising agencies, romance is not about how much you spend or where you go. Romance is about being with that special person. So if you do not have the funds for something extravagant, check out some really great dates you could take your special someone on next Wednesday.

Does she like flowers? Flower stores can be too pricey for a small budget sometimes. Head to Wal-Mart the day before or the day of and pick up a three pack of roses. They are around five dollars and are just as good as any florist shop. (Hint for the guys: Do not buy yellow or white roses because they mean friendship and death, and those probably would not go over so well with your date.)

Take that special someone out to the Overlook Grille at the Falls Park at the Reedy River in downtown Greenville. The food is amazing and not too costly. After dinner, plan a nice stroll around downtown and talk. A stop for ice cream or coffee should also be on the agenda. This date should cost around $30 and is sure to be a good time.

Are surprises more your style? Get up early and run over to Panera Bread and pick up muffins, bagels or scones with some juice or coffee. Call the person once you get back on campus and be waiting outside the dorm with breakfast before his or her first class. It shouldn't cost more than $20 and will be very appreciated if the person has an early class and needs a morning pick-me-up.

Another idea for a fun date could involve going to the grocery store and picking up cheese cubes, crackers, some fruit and bread, as well as sandwich meat and drinks. Get a nice blanket and take your date to the park for a picnic and while there, watch the sunset. The park is free and the food should cost between $15-20. Want to make it interesting? Go to a park with a play ground and actually play on it, it will be something very fun and your date will think the world of you. Just make sure to bundle up in case the weather forecasts a chilly night.

Valentine's Day is not about just the guys doing special things for girls. It is also nice for girls to return the favor. Do not be old fashioned and put it all off on them, they deserve a surprise, too. Try purchasing a movie you know he has wanted to see. Candy is another good gift; those corny Valentine's candies may be just the trick. If he has a favorite sports team, go to Steve and Barry's. They have college sport team shirts for under $10 or pick up a nice team hoodie for under $15.

Page 1 of 1

Article Tools