Valentine's day, and the expectation on men

I know it;s early, but i'll be visiting family on international card and chocolate giving day. the day where condom stocks rise rapidly, pulsating up and down, spurting to a crescendo, before returning to their flacid state.

Being divorced and single, I can go back to hating this day with the heat of a 1000 white hot pointy suns.

Now I know there is an expectation on women to "put out" for their partners. And im not touching that at all. this is simply the men's side of things.

Guys, what are your feelings on this manufactured holiday?
Do you feel pressured to 'put out' hundreds or even thousands of dollars by your girl (or boy) friends? The expectation of making it a PERFECT night for them. Dinner, gifts (flowers, chocolate, diamonds, rings, etc) then a romantic hotel suite.

Gay guys, how does this holiday effect you? Do you and your boyfriend go all out, or take a 'meh' attitude towards it all?

How often have your efforts been in vain? Spending all this time and effort (and cash) only to be shot down in the harshest of ways?

My ex-wife said for years none of this mattered to her. I would still try to be romantic, and she would shoot me down worse than a Messerschmidt over England.

then when i finally gave up on the romantic stuff... she decides she wants it! (sorry got ranty)

So guys... What is this cursed holiday to you, and has it overall been a positive or negative date for you?

unless I was in a relationship, and that hasn't been many years(8). I've celebrated 8 Valentine's days, and I treat the holiday as a "day for her." The things my wife enjoys she is vocal about, so its no mystery to know/find things that will make her feel good/special. On the other hand, I don't expect anything on V day...

That my overarching vision of a relationship. If the relationship needs chocolates, cards, gifts, diamonds, and greeting cards by the wheelbarrow, there's something wrong.

so guys what are your plans for today?
What were your plans and how did it go? (depending on when you read this)
I was sick and filled out Divorce papers at a DIY workshop

Exchanging cards is about the extent of it.

At one time it was the traditional exchange of expensive gifts, but we realized that that wasn't consistent with our values.

......it's just another day for me. I'm too old now to even care what day it is. I just
celebrate still being above ground....:) Holidays of any kind were not always very much
fun for me. I just try to get over all the hullabaloo and keep on going.
I'm delighted for those who find it important to celebrate though. Not enough happy
moments in a lot of lives right now, so we need to make some happy moments I guess.
Sorry.......just ranting.........