The independent student newspaper at the University of Illinois since 1871

The Daily Illini

The independent student newspaper at the University of Illinois since 1871

The Daily Illini

The independent student newspaper at the University of Illinois since 1871

The Daily Illini

The independent student newspaper at the University of Illinois since 1871

The Daily Illini

    Blame bad luck for lack of relationship

    Today, Valentine’s Day is upon us — the ultimate hallmark holiday amidst a sea of cold weather. Couples across campus will be spouting their love for each other like fountains at an NFL player’s mansion — but what about the rest of us?

    As memes have been popular lately, the Forever Alone followers will plaster the “Singles Awareness Day” sentiment regardless of the acronym it spells out: SAD.

    It should spell out luck.

    As in, whether or not we are single is largely dependent on the shift of the cosmos that are out of our control. Viewers of “The Butterfly Effect” will know how one small event can alter somebody’s life completely; this movie’s philosophy is easily applied to collegiate love lives.

    The age-old adage, that luck is what happens when chance meets opportunity, rings true.

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    The truth of the matter is that luck plays a larger part in our lives than anybody would like to admit: How many times have you listened to professionals stating that they were in the right place at the right time? That they met this one guy at McDonald’s, who ended up being the CEO of McDonald’s, and that’s how they are at the top of the economic food chain on Wall Street? Wait, you didn’t hear that one?

    Regardless, this theory can be applied to having a significant other: The girl of your dreams might have been on the next bus, or the boy might have chosen CRCE over the ARC because it was a closer walk. One flap of the wings later, and you’re out of a Valentine’s date and everything that comes with it.

    It’s easy to blame yourself and wallow in self pity over why you are stuck with a tub of chocolate ice cream while Facebook-perfect relationships run around. But it’s important to realize that a large part of life remains simply out of our control.

    So, do yourself a favor this Valentine’s Day — go to the butterfly garden, and step on an insect. They’re the reason you’re single.

    _Aaron is a sophomore in Media._

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