No cash for that expensive gift or extravagant romantic getaway? No problem. Valentine’s Day is about so much more. It’s a time to share the day with your sweetheart and show how much you care and appreciate him/her.

“While your finances may not allow for a romantic getaway to Hawaii or the diamond and platinum earrings from Tiffany’s, there are other ways to show your partner how much s/he means to you.” explained Paul A. Falzone, CEO of The Right One and Together Dating, the industry’s largest brick-and-mortar dating services with more than 60 offices nationwide. He continued, “Don’t make the mistake of letting the day go by without doing something. Just because we’re in a recession doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t honor the day.”

People who are dating or in a serious relationship often have high expectations for Valentine’s Day – the most romantic day of the year. There’s no getting around the day, but, you can avoid disappointing your sweetheart. Falzone shares insight on what NOT to do:

*Don’t pretend you didn’t know the date and that Valentine’s Day just slipped your mind. Unless you’ve just come out of a coma, this excuse has been the end of many a relationship.

*Do not wait until Valentine’s Day to announce that you have made plans for you and your date. The “fake out” or acting like you’re not going to do anything on Valentine’s Day, only to then spring the surprise on him/her is treading dangerous waters. If you’re going to do something nice for your sweetie on Valentine’s Day, why not take the credit.

*Don’t be late for your date. Being on time shows you value your date’s time and company.

*Don’t forget to make dinner reservations or buy tickets well in advance. Waiting to be seated at a restaurant for hours or standing in long lines for tickets really puts a damper on the evening.

*Don’t talk about the price of your Valentine’s Day gift, be it candy, flowers, dinner, etc. No one wants to hear how much you spent. Ever hear the phrase “can’t buy me love?”

*Don’t be away (if you can avoid it) or otherwise unavailable on the most romantic day of the year. In a way, Valentine’s Day is similar to New Year’s Eve. Everyone wants to have someone to kiss (whether it’s midnight or not doesn’t matter). Even those who have only been dating for a couple of weeks tend to make a point to see each other, or at the very least, talk on the phone and swap Valentine’s Day cards.

*Don’t be inconsiderate. You’re significant other is sure to appreciate the grand gesture of a romantic Valentine’s Day, just be sure that whatever you’ve planned to do, you BOTH enjoy it. Taking your sweetheart on a romantic ski weekend won’t go over well if s/he doesn’t ski; can’t tolerate the cold and hates snow.

*On that same note, don’t go into debt by booking an extravagant trip, especially if you are in a relationship and your finances are combined. You really should discuss it with your significant other before making plans.

*Do not personally deliver your flowers to her office. Part of the Valentine’s Day fun for women is to be paged or called to the front desk to pick up their flowers and listen to the “oohs” and “aahhs” of colleagues as they head back to their desk.

*Don’t forget the kids when it comes to passing out Valentines. Including them with cards and candies earns big “Brownie points” from all parties.

*Do not surprise her/him with the gift of a new pet – no matter how adorable that puppy, kitten or other creature may be. (Unless of course you’ve already discussed it at great lengths with your sweetheart and know that is what they truly want.) A pet is a major responsibility and should never be sprung on anyone.

*Don’t stress if you don’t have a date or a significant other. Make plans to go out with other single friends to celebrate Valentine’s Day.