Yes, we know. It’s this Saturday, February 14th. The same day that comes far too quickly every year and definitely arrives too soon after the holidays (didn’t we just do something for New Year’s?). You’re worried about your job, no less the number of digits in your bank account, amongst other things. The last thing you really want to deal with is Valentine’s Day.

No, you can’t ignore it, and god help you if you do. The single men receive a “Get Out Of Jail Free” card on this day, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re happier. Unless you’re a perpetual bachelor, a rewarding relationship with a woman you’re in-freaking-love with is incomparable. Gear Patrol’s put together 10 foolproof Valentine’s Day tips. Sure, some of them involve some cash-money, but at the end of the day the special woman in your life won’t care about the money spent (she reads the news too, you know), she’ll care about the thought and foresight that went into the day.

1. Look Sharp, Bub

If you’re going out and the venue calls for it, dress up for it. Think about the outfit you’d wear to an interview then take it one notch higher (read: be crisper, stand up taller, reserve sooner, meet her or be ready earlier, have some good stories to share). You know, prepare.

2. Breakfast & Shopping - In Bed

Make her an early breakfast in bed. If she’s a new mother then follow-it up with a little Amazon.com Gift Card and shop for a fun gift (under $20) together. Give it a little context (card) that says this is just the start of the day. You never know, she might reward you with dessert… in bed.

3. Texting

Do not booty text your girlfriend. Do booty text your wife of plural years. It’s that simple.

4. Send/Give Roses Calla Lilies

Roses are one dozen degrees overdone. Send her Calla Lilies instead. They’re gorgeous and tell her that you didn’t just find something last minute. Few women dislike Calla Lilies.

5. Moments Remembered

Dig deep into your Sports Scores, Horsepower, and Gear (our apologies) filled brain. Remember a simple occurrence from your first date or when you first met. If you have a keepsake from that day then all the better. Find a way to package it: a movie ticket stub or coat check ticket in a little frame, some physical form of a story she told you that day, anything that provides a wrap to what happened that day. She remembers every excruciating detail so knowing that you did will guarantee an ear-to-ear smile, hug, and swooning.

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