Editor’s Note: Spoiler Alert

Let’s talk about “Parks and Recreation.” If you are a fan of “The Office,” then you have most likely dabbled in at least a couple episodes of “Parks and Rec” because it is the natural thing to do when you are going through withdrawal that you finished the best series of all time. A friend of mine named Sophia took this natural route of Netflix binge-watching, and while getting emotional over the wedding of two characters, she received a particularly rude reaction from others.

Sophia, who attends the University of South Carolina, was watching the scene in a public area in her hall. Upon the wedding, Sophia, being a sucker for such theatrics, started to tear up a little because of how adorable the wedding of Andy and April was. Her reaction was completely understandable. However, some girls, who were touring the school, didn’t realize that Sophia was watching a tear-jerking scene. Without understanding this, they turned to each other and said, “Looks like someone is alone for Valentine’s Day,” loud enough for Sophia to hear. Really? Not cool, guys.

I hate to be that girl, but Valentine’s Day is kind of lame. Rose prices can spike by as much as 200 percent and Americans are spending more than $700 million on gifts for their pets. One in five women sends presents to herself. That’s lame. People shouldn’t feel obligated to buy themselves things in order to fit in with the holiday. It seems outdated and old-fashioned to judge someone for not celebrating Valentine’s Day in a traditional way, with chocolates and roses. We are in the 21st century, with a black president and legalized gay marriage. Surely we aren’t criticizing people for being single (and ready to mingle) on Valentine’s Day.

Regardless of that girl’s judgmental comment, times seem to be changing. Valentine’s Day isn’t simply spent with a significant other anymore. People are making posts out to their dogs for being their valentines instead. Girls are using Leslie Knope’s revolutionary idea of “Galentine’s Day” as another way to celebrate, giving them a reason to order pizza and watch romantic comedies. The holiday is meant to celebrate love, regardless of whom you declare to be your valentine. Personally, I chose to send pictures of incredibly strange 19th century Valentine’s Day cards to my friends and family. I’m not sure if it was fully appreciated.

Nonetheless, it just depends on whatever works for you and what you want to do to celebrate the day of love. If Sophia wanted to spend the day gushing over a fictional marriage, then so be it. I don’t think this warranted any judgment from prospective USC students. Then again, the reason that she was judged for being alone and crying could just be because she goes to USC. I bet if she did the same thing at State, people would sit down and cry with her. We are just better like that.