Feb. 14 is Valentine’s Day. A modern holiday on which people exchange love notes. It is the holiday where we show love to the people we care about. Unfortunately, since elementary school Valentine’s Day has changed a lot for many of us.

I remember in grade school Feb. 14 meant candy, silly cards, love notes or simply put, they were valentines. And everyone got one, except for that one kid … but I wasn’t him. Anyway, giving was almost as fun as receiving then. Unless you got those chalky candy hearts with letters like “URA QT” and various other sayings upon them. Not only is it difficult to decipher these sweet things, but you’ll also spend at least an hour in a dentist’s chair because of them.

One other interesting thing back then was those Disney-themed Valentine’s cards. A box of Valentine’s cards is cheap, and one could pass them all around, while saving the best one for the cutest girl in class of course, and then give her extra candy. She’ll pretty much know it was meant to be.

However, we aren’t in grade school anymore, no matter how much candy we eat. We have become adults, and we no longer get love from 25 of our peers. The meaning of Valentine’s Day becomes completely different as an adult. Sure, you could be tacky and get those Spiderman Valentine’s cards that say “My spidey senses are tingling. Be my Valentine,” but you’ll look like a fool. In fact, it’s been my observation that Valentine’s Day has become a joke even for strong couples. That’s because Valentine’s Day should be like any other day for them. Should it really require a specific day once a year for a couple to do something romantic?

A relationship should be special every day. Sure, Valentine’s Day may be the only time you’ll buy her a box of chocolates, but don’t get her flowers just once a year. Don’t take her to dinner on just this day, but make it something more common, maybe once a month. Don’t do it too often, keep it special. Remember, though, it costs more money now than it ever did as a child, especially since then our parents bought the stuff, but that’s beside the fact. If you can’t afford to do the expensive things, then don’t. Your significant other may be worth the money, but there is so much more you can do that makes them feel special. Talk, listen, smile, laugh.