Valentine’s Day is coming up, and I don’t have a lot money. I really want to flatter my girlfriend and impress her friends at the same time. What should I do?

-A Broke Romantic

Here is what you need to do. Sit down with her and explain that Valentine’s Day is a stupid reason to celebrate the love you share for each other. Why not do it whenever you want instead of on a designated day? I mean, the holiday is worthless. It was probably created by advertisers to get you to buy more of their products.

Look, on Christmas we celebrate Christ’s birth, Fourth of July we celebrate our country’s independence and Valentine’s Day we get stressed out because we have to buy something we could buy two weeks later and it would still mean the same thing.

I guess if you have to get her something though – make it. Even if it looks horrible it’s the thought that counts right? You might as well not even try it. She doesn’t expect much out of you because you’re a guy and we all know guys aren’t creative…RIGHT? Regardless, hopefully your girlfriend isn’t a superficial piece of crap and will appreciate whatever it is you decide to do for her.

Here is a list of ideas for you:

1. Take her on a Pfeiffer date.

2. Make her a CD with songs about your relationship.

3. Say something really public so everyone knows you love her.

One thing you need to remember is to not ask her friends. Girls always tell each other stuff they don’t need to know. It’s not about what they think. It’s about you being a nice guy and making her happy.

Good luck and thanks for supporting the most worthless holiday of the year.

-Zachary Robert Rus

February 14 is a day that over generations has become something many people agonize over. We find ourselves on one side of the agony or the other – either we’re with someone, but not sure what to do for the special day, or we’re single and we want the day to just come and go as quickly as possible. That’s right, I’m talking about the much dreaded Valentine’s Day.

For those of you who are in a relationship, more than likely you’re finding yourself a little pressed for cash. There are several alternatives to buying gifts, things that will mean something for more than a day. Rather, do something nice for them, make them dinner: wash their car or give them a back rub. I think Valentine’s Day has gotten a bad rap. It’s not about buying and receiving gifts, it’s about letting people know they’re important in your life.

For those of you who are single, perhaps this day could give you a reason to ask the person you’ve been crushing on a date or use this day to remind your friends and family you love them. Valentine’s Day is commonly known for being the “day of lovers,” but for me this day is a special time to send little cards like I did in elementary school to my friends and family just to say I’m thinking of you.

Don’t get caught up on other people’s traditions, you can always be your own valentine. Before you disregard this idea, think of this – use this day to put off your homework, deadlines and other daily tasks to pamper yourself. Go out and buy that videogame or outfit you’ve had your eye on and say to yourself, “I’m worth it!”

However, if you find yourself on Valentine’s Day wishing for this day to quickly come and go, life goes by too quickly. Before you know it you won’t get the chance to say you care.

-Ashley Van Alstine