by Jessica Sherry

Created on: January 15, 2007   Last Updated: April 23, 2007

Any idiot can get a girl flowers and candy; stores make it oh so easy to appear thoughtful and romantic. The truth of the matter is that it's all about motivation and effort. I've heard men scoff at the idea of Valentine's Day, claiming that it's just another Hallmark-created holiday. In return, I ask, "So what?" Is it so wrong to take one day out of the year to celebrate your romantic relationship? The best gifts are those that require planning, forethought, and effort, not necessarily money.

I can't recall the gift my husband gave to me two years ago. I don't remember the card or what it said. But, I will never forget the poem he wrote for me in college - a concrete poem in the shape of a rose. Even though my husband is not poetic or particularly romantic (he's a computer programmer), he took the time and created something that I will treasure forever. Poems, romantic letters or anything that you create yourself is a true expression of your love.
Other romantic and relatively inexpensive ideas revolve around things you can do together. Purchase a book and plan to take fifteen minutes a night to read it to each other. Buy a board game and take time to play it. Take the initiative to get a babysitter and plan dates - even if it's just a few hours here and there to get away from the kids for a while. Plan a picnic. Take a walk along the beach or visit some of the romantic places from your past.
Most girls would rather be romanced than bought. Try to examine what the relationship means to you and work toward showing it. It will make the day more meaningful and it will surely make your partner happy.

Learn more about this author, Jessica Sherry.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.