The other day I overheard a conversation between two guys. One guy was telling the other guy about how he was going to surprise his girlfriend on Valentine’s Day with roses and an elegant dinner. I thought to myself, wow, that is one brave dude for sharing his romantic ventures with his friend.

Then I heard the last part. He said how he really hoped to get laid on Valentine’s Day because of all the “work” he was going to put into the day. Really? Do guys plan romantic gestures on Valentine’s Day because they think they’re going to get laid? That is a terrible standard for us to set. We should aim higher not just on Valentine’s Day, but the other days of the year too.

Let’s be honest. Generally, we guys have a low standard when it comes to being romantic to our significant other. Saying “you look beautiful” or “you smell nice today” does not count as being romantic.

What is romantic is writing her a poem, getting her flowers or perhaps helping her with her errands, anything that takes more commitment and more thought out of us. I can already hear the excuses about being too busy with work and school, but that should not be a factor at all. If guys have time to hang out with their buddies and watch the Super Bowl, then why not take a minute or two to do something special for their girlfriends?

OK, so you guys might say, “Well, that is why Valentine’s Day was created, so we could make our girlfriends feel ‘special for a whole day.”

That is total nonsense. Valentine’s Day should not be a day that guys “feel obligated” to show affection towards their significant other. Every day of the year is a great opportunity to step up and give our “A” game. Why not start on Mondays with a love letter nicely placed on the windshield of her car? On Wednesday, show up with a rose in hand at her doorstep, then finish the week off on Fridays with dinner at her favorite restaurant. Feel free to switch it up and be creative; there are many inexpensive ways to show your love toward your significant other.

I understand if this might sound too cliché and not manly enough for guys to attempt. I do not blame them. Society has set a low standard for guys in the way they approach women. What is even worse is that society has convinced women that it is OK to lower their standards as well. It’s time to change that!

Ladies, raise your standards reasonably high, and not only on Valentine’s Day. Every day you should expect some kind of romantic response from your man, and if there is nothing at all, then you should be concerned. There are many guys that are in a relationship just for the sport of it. They are the ones that send you the mixed signals, show up in your life once in awhile and whisper sweets things to you, but their actions state otherwise. These are the guys that will try to take advantage of you on Valentine’s Day, like the guy I mentioned earlier.

So guys, don’t expect to get laid on Valentine’s Day just because you prepare a romantic dinner or give your girlfriend some roses. Valentine’s Day should be less about getting laid and more about doing something selfless for your significant other.