Some people think Valentine’s Day is the most romantic time of year.  A chance to take your sweetie out to a nice dinner and get her something she’ll love.  Others consider it a corporate holiday conceived to sell cards and flowers and heart-shaped boxes.  Don’t you just hate to conform to something so inherently greedy?  Fight the power!

It’s a conundrum for plenty of guys.  On the one hand, we often don’t have the money to throw around on diamonds and a dozen roses.  Chocolates, maybe, but you know there’s always the chance of disappointing your sweetie.  If she hears how wonderful some friends’ Valentines Days are, it might lead to some bitterness or resentment.

On the other hand, may god have mercy on the man who refuses to celebrate this holiday.  Sure, you can have your principles.  Resist the greeting card companies if you must.  Stay out of the red and pink section of Walmart.  But if you’re not willing to give up on a principle to make your girl feel special, that reflects very poorly on you and how much you care about your relationship.

That’s because the holiday really shouldn’t be about the money.  It should be about the girl.  Sure, it’s nice for guys to get something in return, but let’s face it: men, this holiday is the chance to prove yourself.  To show your lovely lady that she’s important and special.  So unless you’re making some grand gesture every other day of the year, you’d best make one on this day.

They don’t have to be sell-out options, either.  There are plenty of ways to be thrifty.  A thrift shop, for instance.  There you can get fake flowers to deck out the room, plenty of candles to set the mood, and maybe a crazy random gift she’ll love.  Some shoes in her size, a sentimental trinket, the possibilities are endless.  And what better way to stick it to those corporations than going thrift shopping?

You can always make something romantic too. A painting, flowers made out of odd things (origami, duct tape, wood), or just a list of things you love about her are some of my favorite little things to do.  It doesn’t cost much, except for the materials, and something you made with your own hands can have a special significance.

So, men of Marshall, go forth with this knowledge!  Show your beautiful girl the best Valentine’s Day she’s ever had.