COURTESY OF FREESVG.ORG VIA CREATIVE COMMONS LICENSE

Originally published January 23, 2024

   Someone walks up to you with flowers, a shy expression on their face. "Will you be my valentine?" You wanna say no but don't know how. These are some helpful tips on how. There are so many different opinions when it comes to rejecting someone. On the phone, assertively, in person, rudely, through a friend, or shyly. No opinion is right or wrong, it just depends on you and the other person.

   “[Someone should reject someone] verbally in your own words. It should not be by texting or Snap[chat] as well as being kind and firm.” Mrs. McGowan, seventh-grade counselor said.

   There are so many different reasons for rejecting someone as a valentine. It can be nerve wracking and make you feel bad or like you’re doing something wrong. Rejecting someone may be because your parents don’t allow you or maybe you don’t know the person that well. But for whatever reason you are rejecting the person, know that your reasons are legitimate and it is okay.

   “Getting rejected shouldn’t be something you're butthurt about…Everyone’s feelings and thoughts are valid.” Seventh-grader Dragana Cabuag said.

   Sometimes after you reject someone they are still very persistent and seem to not take “no” for an answer. This can be stressful for some people and make them say yes, even if they do not want to. Some people will continue to pester you and ask you continuously until you are uncomfortable. This can make the situation even harder to deal with on top of having to reject someone. 

   “...Look [the person] in the eye and say you need to stop and that you really mean it… If they don’t stop, you get help from somebody.” Mrs. Brubaker, eighth grade counselor said.

   If you are the person getting rejected, it can be hard and make you feel bad about yourself. You should not revert to the bad thoughts in your head. You should also not make the person who rejected you feel bad or pressure them into not rejecting you. This can make you getting rejected much worse. 

 
  “Of course, people should always respect the other person because it is nice.” Eighth-grader Kaleb Chevallier said. 

   There are lots of other ways to spend Valentine's Day if you are the rejected or the rejecter. Just because you're upset because you got rejected, you can still have a great time and end the day with a smile on your face. 

   “Have a spa day, go out with your friends, have a movie marathon, splurge on a big gift, try a new recipe, or start a new book.” Seventeen.com said.

   No matter how you reject someone it can be awkward or there might be tension between you and that person. It is hard to go back to normal after hurting someone’s strong feelings they had about you. That doesn’t mean you have to be with them. 

   “[Middle school students] are still young and their frontal cortex is not developed. Having a lot of friends is better for now.” Mrs. McGowan said.