Various fluffy toys, roses and on-line greetings are rather popular among youngsters popping out of the Valentine’s celebrating crowds.

“I want to share this candy with my best friend on the Valentine’s Day, which is a special time to exchange gifts and greetings,” said a female middle school student who was selecting chocolates in a supermarket.

Sources said that some puppy lovers even take photos to mark the special occasion.

A middle school teacher expressed her worry about students’ precocious enthusiasm for the lovers’ holiday but cautioned that the youth need guidance in handling emotional affairs.

Wang Jisheng, a leading psychologist, said that high school students, who in the 12-18 age group, are eager to learn new things and crave communication with the opposite sex.

According to Wang, most high school students go on group outings, which usually involve three or four pals and the main purpose of these outings is friendship instead of love.

Sun Yunxiao, vice director of China Juvenile Research Center, said that majority of juveniles regard Valentine’s Day as a fun occasion not involving real love.

It is understandable that boys and girls take every opportunity to relax from their burdens, and voice their feelings among peers, given the highly pressurized environment and heavy course load in most Chinese high schools, Sun said.

Sun said that compared to tolerant and considerate emotional assistance, high-handed measures are not good for handling juvenile celebrations on Valentine’s Day.

“We should create more opportunities for youngsters to express their feelings and voice their longing for love, which is one of the most beautiful emotions on earth. Hopefully, proper emotional guidance for juveniles will safeguard them from future emotional and marital crisis,” said Sun.

(People’s Daily 02/16/2001)