Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and with less than a week to go, the pressure of getting that perfect gift has never been more intense. But frankly, the whole day is a waste of time and energy, and more importantly, squashed expectations. Before many of you cupid-loving romantics take a jab at me for probably not having a boyfriend and writing such harsh words, I would like to qualify them. I do have a boyfriend and we are so content with each other that we don’t need a designated day to buy each other gifts declaring our love.

Kind readers, let me offer you my expertise on what is and isn’t appropriate for gifts on this so-called special day. This will be my second Valentine’s Day in a row in recent years spent with a significant other. I don’t expect much, but I do expect better than what I had last year. Gentlemen, it is neither cute nor respectful to write your lovely lady a dirty poem, with poem being too kind of a word choice. If she has any self-respect, she will not appreciate this juvenile gesture, which is not sweet, but rather, disgusting.

Ladies, you still owe your man some form of appreciation. But please, don’t be confused and expect that you must foot the tab for the expensive dinner bill. I’m a traditionalist and believe that the guy should pick up the tab unless you pre-arrange plans otherwise and are the one to ask out the guy. Don’t let him make you feel bad for your expensive tastes, or talk you out of going to the finest place in town, because you deserve the best. A fine hand-made card displaying your craftsmanship and declaration of your love for him should be good enough for his tastes. If not, it might be time to get a new man.

If America didn’t have a day known as Valentine’s Day, then how else would the card companies make all of their money? So much is invested in this day, and I am repulsed when I see 100 identical plush bears lining the aisle in Wal-Mart. Why is it that we expect so much from a day that shouldn’t be any different from any other day?

I will be happy to get a sweet card, maybe a nice dinner out to our favorite Italian restaurant, and some time alone back at his apartment. I don’t need anything else, and I especially don’t need him spending all of his money to make me happy. We don’t need a day to celebrate our love, just as the rest of you happy couples don’t need a day to smother each other with gifts.

I’m not saying to boycott Valentine’s Day completely, just to remember that at the heart of the holiday, it is all about showing that special someone that you care. We shouldn’t have to have a holiday to express our innermost feelings to our significant other. So start now by showing your appreciation for that person and take a holiday such as this one a little less seriously.