Singles, couples and splits: a Valentine’s Day report on love

On Valentine’s Day, some couples celebrate their undying love, while other people lament past relationships.

If you’re single and ready to mingle, the good news is that Texas is the No. 6 state for singles, according to wallethub.com. It bases the 2017 ranking on the number of single suitors, fun factor and price of dating.

The bad news: last year, El Paso was ranked No. 132 in a ranking of the best cities for singles.

But don’t get down, because the romance reports also show online dating is booming in the Lone Star State, so download a dating app and swipe right for love.

Licensed professional counselor Anastacia Martinez said all the swiping, tapping and rating on social media may be what deters people from finding someone special.

“They’re not really taking the time to get to know someone in their natural environment,” said Martinez. “There’s some kind of preconceived notion about what to expect. It might not be realistic.”

Judge Laura Strathmann said couples in the throes of love make the ultimate commitment to commemorate the meaning of the day.

“There is also definitely a spike in the amount of marriages we perform on Valentine’s day,” said Strathmann.

Couples are advised to marry within 30 days of getting their marriage license, but there are legal safety precautions for those who can’t wait to spend their lives together.

“They actually have 30 days to say ‘hey, wait a minute, I may have made a mistake,’ and be able to annul that marriage,”said Strathmann.

Melissa Barraza and her new husband were among the blushing brides, and dapper grooms at the El Paso County Courthouse. She said Valentine’s Day represents love and friendship.

“We had been planning to get married for a long time, but we just didn’t know it was going to be this day,” said Barraza. “It was kind of a surprise, we just woke up and came. “