Valentine’s Day puts dating in the spotlight. It’s a day associated with great expectations-socially and economically.
“Social norms along with consumerism influence Valentine's Day, whichhas become a major holiday in terms of its cultural importance and money spent,” sociology professor John Bartkowski said.
But not everyone has a special person with whom to celebrate Valentine’s Day.
“Men tend to outspend women on Valentine's Day purchases, which reinforces traditional ideas about gender that equate masculinity withmonetary resources,” he said.
So does Valentine’s Day create pressure to find a date?
“Dating is cool, but people should not do it just to have someone there,” junior Andrew Atchison said. “I avoid dating with a passion.”
 According to collegeboard.com, UTSA has a 1:1 ratio of women to men.
 How does that ratio affect dating? UTSA’s diverse student body has conjured many different opinions on the subject, showing the university’s environment to be a great and not-so-great place to find a date.
 Senior Kristen Hanley doesn’t think UTSA is a good place to find a date; she met her current boyfriend at a show at Rock Bottom.
 “I dated two guys from UTSA, and it was, to say the least, completely ridiculous,” Hanley said. “They were very conceited and had a very high opinion of themselves.”
Sophomore Tyler Ferguson disagrees. Although single, he’s optimistic about the prospects at UTSA.
“It's a great place; meeting someone with common interests is vital,” he said. “I'm pre-med, so finding a girl driven towards the health professions would be quite nice.”
As Valentine’s Day approaches, it’s common for gender behaviors to differ according to Bartkowski.
Commenting on gender roles, he states, “Roles are important only ifthe couple makes them that way. Everyone works out their relationship out for themselves.”
 According to Ferguson, Valentines Day should be treated like any other day. “It's just another day, but a great business day for hallmark and chocolate companies.” He goes on to clarify, “I have this opinion in and out of relationships.”
With such a unique environment, it’s no surprise that opinions about dating vary. UTSA is populated with people of many different ages, race, and ways of thinking.
Hanley notes how difficult dating can be in general. “Dating can be seriously exhausting,” she said. “Always having to re-tell people about yourself, sometimes it makes me feel like a narcissist or sound like a broken record.” 
 As Ferguson puts it, “It’s best to just let it all fall in place.”
So whether or not you get hit with cupid’s arrow this Valentine’s Day, UTSA offers a variety of potential mates with its diverse student body. It just depends on what you look for in a date.