For years, I scorned Valentine’s Day. Scorned the people who seemed so in love walking around me, shoving their snoogy-oogums relationship crap in my face, scorned the people scarfing chocolate from a ridiculously large heart-shaped box, just scorned anyone who seemed happy in general around the “special date.”

Now this year, I am actually in a healthy, loving relationship and still I scorn those around me getting all a-twitter with happy feelings for the day. Sound strange? No kidding. I was kind of wondering about that myself. But Wednesday I figured out why.

David Coleman, the nationally renowned “dating doctor,” gave a lunch-time speech at Kent State Stark. He focused on the perils and pitfalls of dating and relationships, and gave the audience advice on how to make their romantic lives more successful. I was involved in the organization of the program and listened to Coleman speak while handing out flyers to interested parties.

While he had many interesting points, one point really hit home. He talked about how guys can score “big points” by letting a woman know how special she is all the time, not just on Valentine’s Day. Be it with cheap, cheesy gifts or simple gestures like a single flower, guys will let the special lady in their life know she is important.

That’s when it hit me.

That’s why I resent all those people who get so mushy on Valentine’s Day. Why do I only see that kind of thing in abundance on Feb. 14? It seems to me if you are in a relationship with someone you truly care about, you should act that way most of the time.

All right, I’m not talking about uber-disgusting public displays of affection, or requiring all couples to drain the saliva out of one another’s mouth every five seconds, I’m just saying that a little goes a long way, especially when it comes to affection.

For my birthday this year, my boyfriend gave me a pair of kissing monkeys. It was one of the best presents I’d ever gotten – why? Because he knows my stupid obsession with all things monkey and he doesn’t judge me; he was considerate enough to buy me a gift that showed he listened and that he knew would make me smile.

So guys, you want to score “big points” with your lady this Valentine’s Day? Be considerate every day. Buy her a carnation because she got her hair cut. Offer to wash her dishes for her after a long day at school or work. Hell, Coleman even suggested a coupon for a day of car-washing – I would snatch that up in a heartbeat. The same goes for you ladies – even things that may seem silly might be just what your significant other needs to let them know how much you care. Submit to watching yet another disgusting Arnold Schwarzenegger movie this weekend. Slip some sour gummy worms in their backpack when they’re not looking. Maybe even offer to drive them and their buds home from the bar after a night out. It’s the little things that count.

Now if you’ll excuse me, I have to go make a certain someone feel special. Hope you all do the same.

Shelley Blundell is a senior magazine journalism and history major and a columnist for the Daily Kent Stater. Contact her at [email protected].