By Gina O’Neill
Executive Opinion Editor
I cherish the fall memories of my childhood: plunging head first into piles of leaves and then proceeding to drag my friends Preston and Paige down with me, going to Goebbert’s Pumpkin Patch and filling up large bags Halloween-themed bags with as much candy as possible. And yes, it was a competition to see who had the most candy.
We even got crafty with our selection of candy; we would pretend to sell each other candy in exchange for the other, probably more appetizing candy. I’d always trade my Butterfingers because they taste just like those leaves I used to jump in, with a similar texture as well.
Candy, when I was little, was a huge part of my life. Today, I’m still hooked. I feel more love for candy than for any other human being outside of my family, for it has the delicious ability to make put me in a good mood instantly, something that’s difficult for people.

The delectable treats are the perfect prize, gift, way to say “I’m sorry” and way to say “I love you.” It also comes in every possible flavor, so if chocolate is starting to make your stomach churn, you can just move on to skittles! People don’t give each other vegetables on Valentine’s day because they don’t want to destroy their relationships. They give each other chocolate because it will bring them joy, get them in the mood for love and stick in their minds just like the caramel centers.
According to the New York Times, chocolate contains two lovey-dovey chemicals: tryptophan, one “involved in sexual arousal,” and phenylethylamine, one released in the brain when people fall in love.
Although scientists claim chocolate can hardly be considered an aphrodisiac unless consumed in copious amounts, I firmly believe that chocolate has a romantic influence over others who are already interested in each other. In other words, it makes falling in love easier. While two people are dating, chocolate can introduce the feeling of love by phenylethylamine. When there’s no more chocolate, people will still want to experience that same mesmerizing feeling, so they fall in love. Even if they don’t, they’ll still like each other because they gave each other a couple day’s worth of happiness (box of chocolates). Therefore, if my fellow columnist, Emmy, has problems succumbing to love’s dangerous spell, I’ll know it’s because of her dislike of chocolate.
Candy also brings out the child in all of us. Who honestly presents their adoration for candy more than kids? Candy is stashed everywhere possible for young ones, in pinatas, in goodie-bags, at parades, even in the doctor’s office (those lollipops that got you to go to the doctor’s in the first place).
Even though older people may hide their desire for candy, it doesn’t mean they don’t want it. It’s just not socially acceptable for middle aged people to be pocketing twix bars and going loco over Mambas, so when they get a chance to indulge, it reminds them of what it’s like to be a kid again.
It’s crucial that people have those flashbacks to their childhood because they provide relief, give people a sense of freedom and most of all, no responsibilities. I imagine always feeling like an adult would be like eating spinach for dessert. Spinach isn’t terrible, but I just don’t associate spinach with having a good time.
Even as a teenager, high school is so stressful that it’s easy to forget how easy and carefree our lives were only ten years ago. I pity Emmy, for without candy, what can relieve her of high school’s constant strain? Can fruit do that? I think not.
Not only does candy foster childhood values, it’s the main point of Halloween. I don’t care what anyone says, but Halloween would be NOTHING without candy. Sure, we would all scare each other and maybe even dress up in costumes. We would have nothing to do after we out-scared each other except going around door to door asking for bars of soap.
Let’s face it, soap cannot compare to candy, and cleaning yourself cannot compare to stuffing your belly full of sweet goodness.
So, Emmy, how can Halloween possibly be enjoyable to you? Halloween without candy is like going to a dance without music. Sure, you can always bust a move without the music, but the beat is what keeps the moves coming.
While candy may affect one’s physical health negatively, it boosts one’s mental health up as tall as a “Red Vine” licorice rope. Like any other object that has the power to do this, it won’t work if you consume too much of it.
This Halloween, I’m going to stretch out my pillow case with candy and have myself an amazing time while Emmy can listen to her Halloween music with an empty stomach. Who knows, maybe I’ll even fall in love.