I am someone who actually enjoys Valentine’s Day.   I have friends who feel differently and commonly refer to it as “Single’s Awareness Day”- who complain that it’s a completely over-hyped, over-commercialized “holiday” that was completely made up by Hallmark.  If that is your view then you’ve missed the point. Valentine’s Day is a day to celebrate love, and we all have people in our life that we love.

The number one thing I would tell guys who are contemplating what to do or get for their spouse or girlfriend for Valentine’s Day is not to feel pressure to have to do something extravagant or expensive.  Being a girl myself, I understand a woman’s expectations on Valentine’s Day: they are not that high.  What a woman really wants is to be thought of, to be cared for and for the man in their life to appreciate them for who they are.

Ultimately, Valentine’s Day is about setting aside the time to celebrate the important people in your life.   In honor of Valentine’s Day, here is a list (or strong suggestion) of what not to get a woman for Valentine’s Day:

10. Cook book- Avoid gifts that might send a mixed message.

9. Rogaine- No explanation necessary.

8. Life insurance policy with you as the beneficiary.

7. A tattoo of her name on your chest.

6. Sweetheart themed toilet paper.

5. New tires- Nothing screams “I care about you” more than a set of new wheels.

4. Sketcher Shape Ups- Again, no explanation necessary.

3. Cleaning product- This is not a gift…I repeat, this is not a gift. There is nothing thoughtful or special about it.

2. Video games- I am sure some women enjoy video games but let’s be honest…it’s really a gift for “yourself” that you hope she might enjoy.

1. Facebook gift- This might be seen as cute on some random day during the year, but a little picture of a lava lamp or a bar of soap is not the way to a woman’s heart.

To me, Valentine’s Day is synonymous with love and care, and with hearts, candies and hugs.  We can chose to be cynical and associate the day with what it is missing, or we can look at it as a reason to celebrate loved ones, and more importantly another reason to celebrate another day of life.