And here it is today....February 14th! For some this day is an opportunity to shower their loved one with gifts, chocolate, lingerie and the like. Some couples go out to romantic (and often expensive) dinners. Almost anyone involved in a relationship feels the need to at least buy a card. Of course, there are people who discount it as a “cheesy” holiday perpetuated (if not started) by Hallmark or American Greetings. They eschew fancy dinners and intimate gifts and treat the day as any other. But for a few this holiday can be one of the most stressful in the calendar year.

Why all the stress? Well, apparently some men are worried that in order to be romantic you have to spend money. Not true! I am here to tell you that you do NOT have to be wealthy in order to express your adoration. In fact, some of my fondest memories of this sugary sweet holiday have to do with the effort that was put into the expression of love or fondness...not the actual gifts or dinners.

Keeping in that spirit, here are some low-to-no-budget ideas for sharing a little love on the 14th.

• Kidnap her from work (clear it with her boss first!) and bring her lunch. If you have a brown paper bag try writing something sweet on the outside (or at the very least draw a heart.)
• Bring her breakfast in bed. ‘Nuff said.
• The night before go into the bathroom and tape up hearts cut out of construction paper...on each heart write a sweet saying or a romantic quote.
• Take her on a hike...take her to the beach...take her out in the snow...while you’re there, tell her something you love about her that she might not know.
• Write her a poem. It doesn’t matter if it’s corny; just speak from your heart.
• Give her a massage or a pedicure. And don’t just take her to a spa, actually perform it! Maybe even begin with a bubble bath with candles.
• Make her dinner. Put some effort into it; wear an apron, play sexy music, have fun.
• Blindfold her and take her somewhere special...maybe take her to the first place you kissed...or maybe to see a spectacular sunset...
• Make a CD or a play list of some of her favorite songs...include your own favorites!

Most women will appreciate you taking a little time to create a special day or evening for her. Try to focus on the things you know she likes. Try to put your own special imprint on the day, but make it about her.

Be selfless. Be silly.

I’m not going to lie and say that special gifts and diamonds aren’t also appreciated, but don’t get caught up in the mentality that “only bling counts.” It simply isn’t so.

Happy Valentine's Day!