Money doesn't equal love. You can spend all the money in the world on someone for Valentines day, but nothing says "I Love You" like a simple gesture. It basically means really putting thought into what your significant other likes. Yes guys, I know it is hard to read sometimes and it can be a bit mushy, but if you love that special someone in your life, sometimes you've got to roll up your sleeves and get your hands dirty. Here are a few ways someone special has shown me they love me without putting a dent in their pockets:

• A Surprise Candle Lit Bubble Bath - Run your significant other a hot bubble bath and light a scented candle on each end of the bath tub (if he/she has a favorite scent that makes it even better). Make sure you don't let on about what you're planning and I promise this surprise gesture will be greatly appreciated.

• Give Your Lover a Full-body Massage with Warm Oil - My favorite for this one is Palmers Cocoa Butter Oil (baby oil works fine as well) placed in a microwave safe container and slightly warmed (no longer than 15 seconds or so). After your lover's bath (this goes hand in hand with the candle lit bath) or shower (taking one together is great as well) ask him/her to lay face down on the bed and close their eyes. This will make your lover feel relaxed, pampered and loved, not to mention it is extremely romantic.

• A Candle Light Dinner - I personally love to cook my lover's favorite dish; it says I love you and I am thinking about you. Even if your cooking isn't the greatest, pull out the old recipe book and give it whirl. You can do a picnic style dinner on a nice blanket in front of the fireplace, in the middle of the living room floor or in the middle of your bed; or you can pull out the nice linens and do it traditionally at the dining table. All you have to do is turn the lights down low and enjoy! A nice glass of wine is always a great accompaniment.

• Write Your Lover a Poem - Even if you aren't the greatest poet, poetry is a great way to express how you feel about your lover. I know this usually isn't a guy's favorite thing to do, but it shows creativity, thoughtfulness and care. Although, I am sure there are some men who appreciate writing or having a poem read to them.

• Give Your Lover a Break - If your lover takes care of the majority of the household chores and caring for the children (if you have any) give your lover a week off. Tell him/her to come home from work (this is appreciated even if your lover doesn't work) and take a load off while you cook & clean/serve dinner. Your lover will be very surprised at the initiative you are taking. It shows that you appreciate and notice the little things they do for you on the regular.

• Breakfast in bed - It is so wonderful to wake up to breakfast in bed. Make your lover's favorite breakfast and serve them while they lay in bed on one of those lazy Sunday mornings. The two of you can eat and lay around snuggling and watching movies all day. Most importantly the two of you will be spending quality time together and your time is one of the most valuable things you can give the one you love.

You should take the time to get to know your lover's likes and dislikes. It only takes a little effort combined with tender loving care to show someone you love them. Sometimes buying gifts can seem somewhat impersonal and because words don't wholly express one's true feelings, the best way to say "I Love You" is through action. True love need not of word of the mouth nor special days of the week; it is silently professed on a regular basis.