Valentine's Day has become the second most commercially exploited holiday in the United States, trailing a ways behind Christmas. The holiday is usually celebrated with chocolates, stuffed animals, balloons, cards, and flowers -- all of which go on store shelves right after the New Year.

Stores and restaurants alike have Valentine's Day specials to draw in the customers, and the consumer public eats it up. In the past ten years or so Valentine's merchandise has gone from soley based on lovers to anyone you can think of extending an arm to. The spirit of the holiday is not extinguished with the new additions and expectations, it has only broadened it's use.

Valentine's Day can be a very romantic holiday if you make it that way. The romance part is implied with the day itself but it takes personal motivation to really push that romanticism and make the day special. The important part is not just knowing it's Valentine's Day, it's practicing Valentine's Day like it is a day for romance.

If all that happens on Valentine's Day is passing out of chocolate and cards, then of course it's not romantic! It takes effort, and maybe a little planning, to make it romantic.