Valentine’s Day is right around the corner. For those of you who may have forgotten, I figured I’d go ahead and let remind you as early as I could.

I know that between work, bills, proration talk, the war on terror, rumors of police impersonating racists running rampant and the impending threat of Mayan doomsday prophecies, it can be hard to remember the little things like Valentine’s Day.

I also know that there are an increasing number of women who profess to care nothing for the commercialized romanticism that is Valentine’s Day.

Which is fine.

Because they are right. It is commercialized. It is basically a Hallmark holiday.

But here is what I have also come to understand over the years. No matter how much a woman says she does not like Valentine’s Day and does not care if you take the time to observe, more often than not it would still bring her great joy that you took to the time to sign a card, send a gift, drop off chocolates, have flowers delivered, thought to take her to dinner or at least just carved some time out of your evening to let her know she is special.

But, then again, there are 364 other days each year in which she would appreciate the same treatment.

But that is on you Friend. I’m not here to tell you how to live your life. But on Valentine’s Day, if on no other, take the time to let the special person in your life know just how much they mean to you.

I was hoping to do just that. But there will be an area tournament championship basketball game that night. So, being the sports editor, guess where I will be.

Fortunately for me, my fiance’s birthday is just two days before. So I will at least get to spend some quality time celebrating with her somewhere in the vicinity of Valentine’s Day.

Now, if you already have a Valentine’s Day plan, stick to it. You know, unless it involves appliances, kitchenware, vacuum cleaners or anything else of a cleaning nature.

But for those of you who do not have a plan, here are a few quick tips.

First off, surprises are good. Chocolates, gifts and flowers are nice. But a handwritten, strategically placed note will cost less and mean more. Not that you shouldn’t do the other things too if that is what the lady in your life likes. But personalization and forethought are key in this venture.

Secondly, do not be afraid to get creative. The biggest problem with standby gift options is that they require no planning, no forethought. And, at the end of the day, the main thing she wants is for you to take the time to think about her. So while you think ordering something online and paying for it with a debit card may constitute you having Valentine’s Day covered, it may not say the same thing to her. Getting creative with your Valentine’s Day surprise is a great way to show your partner that you pay attention to her, you know her and you aren’t afraid to get out of your comfort zone to make her smile.

Finally, make it count. Make sure you let her know, whether by words, deeds or both, that there is nothing about the day that makes it special except that you get to spend it with her.

Jeremy D. Smith is the community editor of The Demopolis Times.