Morton East students do not expect to have a Valentine this year.

According to Google’s AI Overview, based on data regarding Valentine’s Day trends, nearly 30% of students aged 13–19 report asking someone out or being asked out on or around February 14. This statistic highlights the influence Valentine’s Day has on teenage social interactions and romantic decision-making. For many students, the holiday creates a socially accepted opportunity to express romantic interest, initiate relationships, or clarify existing feelings. As a result, Valentine’s Day often intensifies emotions, expectations, and peer pressure, making it a significant event in the social lives of teenagers. Locally and most recently, in a random survey of 100 Morton East students, 71 (or 71%) said they will not be asked out for Valentine’s Day this year.

“I will not be asked out to be anyone’s Valentine, but the guy should be the responsible one to ask out the girl, and a good way to do it is by giving them flowers and a little teddy bear,” sophomore Crystal Adame said.

While opinions differ on Valentine’s traditions, many agree that effort and sincerity matter most when asking someone out.

“I haven’t gotten asked out. I have not talked to anyone, so no Valentines this year, but a bad way to ask someone out to be your Valentine is thru text or chocolate-covered strawberries because it don’t show much effort,” Security Jocelyn Rivera said.

Despite different expectations around Valentine’s Day, both agree that being asked in a meaningful, thoughtful way makes all the difference.

“No, sadly this year is like last year, no Valentines, but the girls should ask out the guys because we are the men and how this generation is, they are more independent than us, so they should be the ones to ask us out,” said senior Juan Escobar.

While some students feel traditional roles should be reversed, others are already planning thoughtful ways to ask their partners to be their Valentine.

“I’m doing the asking out to my girlfriend. Ima give her flowers and chocolate. I haven’t asked her out, but I think the deadline to ask them out is a week before Valentine’s Day,” Senior Brandon Vizcarra said.

While some already have plans to ask their partner in person, others are still waiting and hoping for a more personal, heartfelt approach.

“No, my fiancé hasn’t asked me out, but I know he will. I’m hoping he gives me flowers and a stuffed animal, no social media text, because it is not personal and you don’t feel the love,” Staff Arianna Duvvuri said.