Valentine’s Day can signify many different things for people. Some love the holiday, and will use it as a chance to celebrate everyone, no matter if the relationship is familial, platonic, or romantic. While others can’t wait for the season to end. Regardless of where on this spectrum you land, it’s undeniable that this holiday has an effect on everyone. As a resident assistant it’s easy to play into the holidays when planning events, as most people enjoy them and it’s an easy way to incorporate a theme. However, it’s important to remember that Valentine’s day heightens all emotions, not just positive ones.
Valentine’s Day can be a high pressure holiday for relationships and it’s not uncommon for couples to break up just before Valentine’s Day. Or if couples aren’t able to be public with their relationships, this day can bring about emotional stress. Additionally if someone is single, they may be feeling extra lonely during this time.
This doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t plan Valentine’s Day themed events, it just means that some extra consideration should be taken. Look at what events are being put on in the hall and on campus, are there good options for residents who maybe aren’t feeling the love? Make sure that they have a space where they can go on the 14th. Talk to your residents and your fellow RA’s about Valentine’s Day and what they are feeling. Consider organizing an event that prioritizes self care, or appreciation for others, rather than romance.
Example Initiatives:
- Self care night: Give your residents a place to focus on themselves for valentines day. Provide self care items or activities to help reduce stress and improve their mood.
- Valentine making: Host a nostalgic valentine swap for the residents of your floor. Provide valentines and candy, and let residents decorate paper bags to store the valentines they receive. This event could be sized up or down depending on how much time and funds you can put into it.
- Jars of kindness: This is a craft activity that anyone can do, you’ll need jars for your residents (or have them bring their own), and paper cut into ½ inch or 2 inch strips (preferably origami paper). Have your residents write notes on the strips of paper, then they fold them up into stars.
These are just a few ideas for events that aren’t related to Valentine’s Day, but these are just a starting point. Be sure to communicate with your residents to see what kind of events they would like to see around Valentine’s Day as well.
