Trust me, I'm a romantic

I really dislike commercialized Valentine's Day. I am a positive person. I just see the entire holiday as a mere frivolity.

Not in the sense of doing nice things when you are a kid, or for your kids or for any other person that you care about for that matter. But I don't like seeing entire store displays constructed to house chocolate, teddy bears, and long walls of pink and red cards. Let’s not even mention paying an exorbitant amount for flowers.

I like flowers. I like receiving flowers. I normally dry and save the flowers I receive if it is from someone really important. I want flowers on any other day but Valentine's Day. Then it seems more like the person is sending flowers not because they should, but because they want to. A dozen on Valentine's day is equal to the price of three dozen any other day (except maybe Mother's Day) - so it is also the logical way to go.

I like cards and love notes. I just would rather have them born of an honest desire.

I am a romantic. I want bubble baths with wine, dancing and dinner (or hell, dancing in the middle of dinner) but I want them out of the blue on a random Tuesday. I think there are so many chances throughout the day, everyday, to let someone know that you value them. I'd rather be able to appreciate those moments, than force down something cliché on February 14th.

I usually spend months thinking of the perfect gift, even if it is small. That being said, my rules for Valentine's Day gift giving are:
- Nothing specifically themed.
- No flowers, chocolate. candy, or anything of the like.
- Something that cost no money at all is best, but otherwise under $20.
- Action or doing items are better than "thing" items.