In the grand series of articles where I’ve ranged from passionate advocacy to full-fledged rants, there’s one domain I generally try to sidestep. But, as fate would have it, love has a way of creeping into my life—whether I invite it or not. So, continuing on that reluctant but inevitable path, I present to you my second article on love. Let’s hope this is the only one for the semester because, quite frankly, I don’t need another reminder of how single I am.

This past weekend was Valentine’s Day, and if there’s ever a moment in life where you feel aggressively, unmistakably single, that’s the day. Everyone is dressed to the nines, floating around with heart-shaped gifts, clutching red roses from their Valentines, while their meticulously planned dates unfold in cinematic perfection. And then, of course, social media becomes a highlight reel of cuteness—adorable couple photos, sweet love notes and those ridiculously thoughtful gifts that make you question if you’ve ever even liked someone properly. You love seeing it (no, really, you do), but let’s not pretend it doesn’t sting just a little.

So naturally, amidst all this overwhelming romance, I found myself contemplating the elusive concept of finding love. What is it really like? How does one stumble upon it? And most importantly, how feasible is it to actually find love on a college campus?

Now, after two semesters at Bucknell, I’d love to tell you that I have cracked the code. That I’ve uncovered the secret formula to college romance. That my own experiences have led me to a profound understanding of love’s inner workings. But alas, my knowledge comes not from experience, but from the endless stream of relationship stories that my friends so generously share. And if there’s one thing I’ve gathered, it’s this: love in college is something you have to actively seek out. It’s a game of balancing being approachable, open to dating, yet not too eager—because apparently, looking like you’re trying too hard is a cardinal sin. At this point, I’m wondering if love is even real or if it’s just a glorified psychological experiment we’re all unknowingly participating in.

That being said, I have to give credit where it’s due—Bucknell couples are adorable. There’s something so genuine about their connections. It’s not just Instagrammable moments and surface-level interactions. You can feel the sincerity, the support, the way they root for each other in academics, in life, in everything. Watching them makes you believe in love, even if you’re the last person who wants to admit it. There’s something undeniably beautiful about witnessing love in its purest form, even if it makes you acutely aware of your own single status.

But before you spiral into a pit of loneliness and start questioning your life choices, let me offer you one crucial piece of advice: do not, under any circumstances, sign up for those ridiculous marriage pact apps. I promise you, that is not how you find love. That’s how you end up awkwardly texting a stranger, desperately trying to make small talk while wondering why the algorithm thought you two were soulmates.

At the end of the day, love in college seems to be a mix of luck, timing and some effort (but not too much effort, remember?). Maybe it’s an experiment, maybe it’s fate or maybe it’s just something that happens when you least expect it. Until then, enjoy the love around you—even if it’s just from the sidelines. And if all else fails, at least Valentine’s Day chocolate goes on sale the next day.

Stay single, stay sane.