Roses Are Red, Violets Are Blue, Love is Dead - Here Is an STD Test for You

Valentine’s Day is supposed to be about romance - chocolates, flowers, handwritten love letters. Instead, at AUBG, this year’s version of the holiday features failed speed dating, dirty anonymous messages, and free STD tests from the health center. It is less of a celebration of love and more of a social experiment in how drastically dating culture has changed.

 

Speed Dating at AUBG: A Romantic Revival? Not Quite.

In an attempt to bring back old-school romance, a speed dating event was organized at ABF’s Cafe on February 5. The concept is simple: participants rotate through a series of brief conversations, each lasting just a few minutes, to determine if there is mutual interest. If someone wants to end a conversation early, they can press the ring bell placed at each table, signaling it’s time to move on.

The event was a collaboration between the Griffins Club and Best Kept Secret (BKS), originally designed to promote their Pre-Valentine’s Party on February 13.

In theory, it was a fun opportunity to make connections. In reality? Only five people showed up - and two of them weren’t looking for love. One was Benjamin Whyman, a senior and president of the Griffins Club, who attended to support the initiative rather than to search for a partner. Another was a student journalist attending undercover to report on the experience.

With such a small turnout, the event felt more like an awkward café gathering than a lively matchmaking session. Those who did attend admitted they came more out of curiosity than genuine hope of finding romance.

Nadana Markovic, a senior, was one of them.

"I saw a lot of people around the table, and I really liked the decoration, so I decided to join," she said, adding that while she didn’t find a potential match, she met some interesting people.

For some, speed dating brought unexpected amusement rather than romance. Yordan Rusanov, a freshman, attempted to break the ice by asking his date about her favorite vape flavor.

"I don’t smoke," she replied.

Without hesitation, Yordan pressed the ring bell, instantly ending the date.

While a handful of students gave speed dating a shot, others deliberately avoided it. Georgi Petrov, a senior, dismissed it entirely, arguing that Bulgaria has a more traditional dating culture, and that speed dating felt awkward in a small university where most people already knew each other. Anton Gonev, also a senior, rejected it for a different reason:

"If you want a real relationship, you need time to get to know someone. A couple of minutes won’t cut it."

By the end of this failed matchmaking, it was clear: the attempt to revive romance at AUBG had fallen flat.

 

Dirty DMs and Anonymous Valentine’s Day Instagram

If the speed dating event proved anything, it was that romance is not exactly thriving at AUBG. Instead of heartfelt confessions, students turned to the AUBG Valentine’s Day Instagram account to anonymously express their feelings - or at least, that was the intention. In a candid text message, the account's creator explained the origins of the page:

"I thought of @aubgspotted and how they censor basically everything so I decided that I should create a let’s say safe space - where everyone can share everything anonymously, without DMs, so that everything remains a secret."

Initially marketed as a place for secret admirers to share their emotions, the account quickly turned into something more like Gossip Girl rather than a matchmaking platform. While some posts were genuine, most veered into teasing, flirty jokes, and outright objectification.

 

The line between affection and entertainment blurred, leaving recipients like Boris Gudev, a first-year student, unsure of what to make of it. “I am not sure if a friend sent it for fun or if it is a girl who actually likes me,” he admitted. Despite the anonymity making confessions easier, Gudev argued that a direct approach was far better. “It is better to go straight to the person and talk rather than texting them anonymously.”

 

 

 

A Different Kind of Valentine’s Gift: Free STD Tests

While students were busy avoiding speed dating and posting anonymous confessions, the AUBG Health Center is offering a different kind of Valentine’s Day gift on February 14 – free test for STDs and condoms. As part of their biannual initiative, the health center staff wants to remind students to take charge of their sexual health. Modern love comes with modern responsibilities.

“Our goal is to encourage safe practices and help students feel empowered about their health,” said a Health Center representative.

While it is commendable that students are prioritizing their well-being, the irony is undeniable: a day once defined by romance and passion now comes with a dose of medical precaution. Instead of “Will you be mine?” the message is “Make sure you are safe.” A shift from romance to responsibility - perhaps not what Cupid had in mind.

A Small Victory for Romance: AUBG’s Olympics Keeps the Tradition Alive

And yet, not all hope is lost. After all the failed dating attempts, anonymous Instagram confessions, and medical check-ups, one tradition kept the spirit of romance alive.

Each year on Valentine’s Day, the guys from The Olympics club continue their tradition of giving roses and chocolates to its female members, keeping a touch of classic romance intact.

“It’s a simple gesture, and it is just about making someone smile,” said Iliyan Ivanov, the president of Olympics.

It may not be a grand romantic revival, but at least someone on campus is still keen on making an effort.

 

This article has been written by Liana Georgieva and Katrin Andonova, AUBG students. It is part of the collaboration between AUBG Daily and the Newsroom course led by Prof. Laura Kelly.