For most couples, Valentine's Day marks the celebration of love and romance. But at Harvard, it serves as the annual reminder that one is, in all likelihood, still single. While those with a significant other will wine and dine, the single population will pursue slightly different activities.

Many single students say they will merely be studying or completing problem sets. Some students say they plan to attend an MCAT review at the Kennedy School from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., while another student mentioned a Women in Science meeting to be held at 8 p.m. in Loker Commons.

For those enjoying the single life, preoccupation with academics and extracurriculars is a popular Valentine's Day activity.

When asked how the romantic symbolism of Valentine's Day made them feel, single students offered a variety of responses.

"I'm kind of indifferent," exclaimed Daryn H. David '99. "I don't find it depressing if I'm not with someone."

But not everyone shared David's optimistic mood.

Marcy M. Mousavi '99 said she will "probably watch some sappy movie and cry with the rest of [her] single girlfriends in the entryway."

Harvard does offer these romantics some alternatives in hope of alleviating their gloom. A "No Valentine?--Laugh It Off" event is being held at Loker Commons, for instance.

But many students say they do not believe their singularly platonic existence is a laughing matter.

In fact, they express frustration--not necessarily with Valentine's Day, but with what Andras T. Forgacs '98 describes as an anti-social, "non-peer-centered campus." As a result, Forgacs says, "I think it is difficult to have relationships on this campus."

Most students say they believe Harvard's atmosphere is not conducive to forming romantic relationships. Those interviewed say that very few of their friends are dating anyone at Harvard, but that, as Forgacs says, "a lot of them have significant others elsewhere."

While some students question whether the prevalence of non-dating is a reflection on Harvard, George C. Lee '97 says that "compared to other schools, at Harvard it seems people don't really go out very much."

A majority of those interviewed say they think one's odds of dating are greatly diminished at Harvard.

Some students suggest that women on campus are more likely to mourn the coming of Valentine's Day than men.

One student who wished to remain nameless says she thinks "guys here don't seem to want to commit, [and] most of the girls are depressed about the dating scene."