As Valentine’s Day creeps closer and closer, red hearts and decor seem to flood any store and ads for flowers and chocolates bombard from all angles. Ideally, Valentine’s Day is to be one for perfection; spend the most wonderful, romantic day with your wonderful, romantic soulmate. However, how many of us are actually living this dream?

Inspired by the New York Times article, “Your 13-Word Love Stories,” I decided to take it to the streets, or rather, campuses, to hear how our fellow college students are faring in the love department. I asked students to tell share their own personal love stories in just 13 words. Here’s what they had to say:

“He was there, but I didn’t say jack [s—] … think I made progress.” – Liz, UC San Diego, CA

“Halfway into hooking up, he says he doesn’t have a condom. I’m heated.” – Fiona, UC San Diego, CA

“He told me he was going to marry me on the first date.” – Hannah, UC San Diego, CA

“A few weeks of eye contact and soft smiles, so it’s getting serious.” – Chloe, Portland State, OR

“We went out for four months. I loved this girl. Distance didn’t work.” – Daniel, College of Marin, CA

“Solemn gaze, longing, hoping … distraught. The one feeling we all know: tasty pizza.” – Matt, Berkeley, CA

“Down on one knee, he said, ‘Be mine.’ I said, ‘Always.’ Newly engaged.” – Citi, UC San Diego, CA

“Modern love is abstract. It has no borders. It disregards gender and monogamy.” – Diego, Pomona College, CA

“He buys me Chick-fil-A nuggets; I don’t think I’ve met someone so perfect.” – Kim, UC San Diego, CA

“Your kiss charges me like lightning, sending an explosion of energy.” – Vicki, UC Merced, CA

“He was incredibly annoying. But I mean I still loved him, I guess.” – Ellie, CSU Monterey Bay, CA

“Ten months of staring at a Pokémon T-shirt is way too effing long.” – Anonymous, Villanova University, PA

“He hit on me all night until I finally told him I’m gay.” – Tanis, CSU Humboldt, CA

“The boy who lives upstairs, too scared to tell him how I care.” – Miranda, UC San Diego, CA

“He said it was the wrong time but at least I had tried.” – Viv, UC San Diego, CA

“Something made you look at me; something made you want to be together.” – Natalie, UC Merced, CA

“She drank way too much last night. It was hot. Till she puked.” – Isaiah, Golden West College, CA

“First love: thousands of miles apart. Then heartbreak. So, he screwed my friend.” – Celeste, UC San Diego, CA

“Met at church, reconnected over a 420 snap, did shrooms, fell in love.” – Anonymous, UC San Diego, CA

“He drove 30 minutes so we could make out on a park bench.” – Declan, Maryland Institute College of Art, MD