My funny Valentine (memories)

As adults, I'm sure we all have our own notions of romance and love, but what about your 12-year-old self? Valentine's Day is tomorrow and perhaps your mind is more on chocolate and the approach you'll take with that heart-shaped box. Or maybe you're dreaming of the moment you'll meet your celebrity crush and they won't be able to resist your charm. Because, hey, it's you we're talking about!

 I reached out to a few University colleagues and asked them to answer a few fun questions about Valentine's Day and share a few memories.

Erin Hollinger, administrative associate, Outreach and Engagement

What did the notion of romance mean to the 12-year-old you? 

As a 12-year-old in the 80's, that notion would have been to have a boy dedicate a song to me on the radio.

Describe your worst date. 

I had a date that took me ice skating, which seemed pretty cool at the time. We realized soon that we had very little to talk about, so we just circled the rink for what seemed like a million laps, while he fell over and over again. Finally he fell and hit his head and we had to stop. I took him home in silence. I'm not sure if the silence was due to his head injury or the fact that it was just a terrible date. Ahh…teenage romance.

What approach do you take to eating a box of chocolates?

As quickly as possible; I have four kids at home

Who was your dream boyfriend/girlfriend when you were in high school?

Someone athletic but also not a "typical jock", more of a punk-rock/rave/Robert Smith type that also kicked butt on the football field. Someone who enjoyed life, didn't worry about fitting in, but could still hang with me on a good workout. I realize the irony now that I'm married to the polar opposite of that description. Oh well.

Dave Huebner, supervisor, Art Workshop

What did the notion of romance mean to the 12-year-old you?

I was probably on my third girlfriend when I was 12. I probably thought dandelions or other weed flowers were romantic, maybe a stolen rose or two. I was developing a typical male attitude about what romance is supposed to be. I was confused.

Describe your worst date.

I recall having a date cancelled because she "wanted to clean her bathroom."

What approach do you take to eating a box of chocolates?

I let my wife eat what she wants and I get what is left over, even the ones with a bite taken out of them.

What's the best Valentine's Day gift?

A nice card and a hyacinth. Add Stephen Libbs Chocolates and that is all that is required.

Bill Forston, press operator, Creative and Print Services

If you want to impress your date, what do you cook them for a romantic dinner?

 Cooking? What is this? I would grill something!

What did the notion of romance mean to the 12-year-old you?

 I was not thinking of romance at that age. I was too busy playing basketball.

What was your best Valentine's Day gift?

The first date with my wife, 12 years ago

What is your ideal bromantic (yes - BROmantic) date?

Baseball game (Yankees or Cubs)

D'Angelo Taylor, assistant director, Multicultural Center

Describe your worst date.

I decided to take my girlfriend to Django Unchained. She put up with the movie but I had to hear about it for a long time.

How much chocolate is permissible to eat on Valentine's Day?

There is no limit.

Who was your dream girlfriend when you were in high school?

Janet Jackson

Kerri Geiser, administrative assistant, College of Nursing and Health Professions

What's the best Valentine's Day gift?

 In my younger years I probably would have chosen something more materialistic like roses or jewelry, but now that I am more "mature," an overnight or weekend getaway with my hubby that includes good food and good conversation. Uninterrupted time is a precious commodity.

What approach do you take to eating a box of chocolates?

I go for the caramels first, as they are my favorite, followed by anything toffee, and then the creams. If I can't tell what it is, I break them open from the bottom. I eat the "likes" and put the "don't likes" back in the box.

Who do you consider the most romantic literary character?

Landon Carter from A Walk to Remember by Nicholas Sparks.

Who is your celebrity crush?

George Straight, since my late teens (which was a few years ago). He is sweet, down to earth, has a gorgeous smile and is quite handsome.

Britney Orth, assistant director of Student Conduct and Outreach

What did the notion of romance mean to the 12-year-old you?

Receiving flowers and candy from a secret crush.

What approach do you take to eating a box of chocolates?

I typically try to choose all of the dark chocolate ones first, because I know that I will like those. Then I will experiment after that and try random chocolates.

Who is your celebrity crush?

Chris Pratt or Patrick Dempsey

Stephanie el Tawil, senior program assistant, Center of Applied Research

What did the notion of romance mean to the 12-year-old you?

Duh! Going steady! Which means we would tell our friends we were boyfriend and girlfriend, maybe hold hands in public and be forced to "dance" together while everyone watched saying "aww."

Describe your worst date.

First date. He picked me up for dinner. We drove around for three hours visiting his friends and family and running errands. I had to meet everyone in his life before I even got to know him and he never fed me!

What approach do you take to eating a box of chocolates?

Crèmes first, because they're gross, but also chocolate. Then I tackle the caramel and nutty ones next. I like to save the chocolate filled for the very end because they are the best. 

I also like to keep the box in the other room as incentive… walk 10 steps, get a chocolate.