There's a lot of pressure around Valentine's Day in the modern age.

Dating today is especially difficult to navigate, and adding a little bit of societal pressure can take away from a fun, new relationship or set unrealistic expectations for a long-term one. I believe we should all cherish our loved ones every day. Having an extra special day to spoil the people in our lives isn't necessarily a bad thing, as long as we remember it's just a day. If you choose to do something special for someone this year, remember that you can make them feel special all year round.

This year's sales are expected to total $18 million. Don't be a lover's fool this year. Skip the cliches and devote the time to plan a fun experience for the two of you to do together! Here is a list of some things to avoid.

1. The heart-shaped box of chocolates.

It's a sweet (HA) gesture, but let's be real. Not ALL of those pieces are even good. I'm so glad they make the chocolate maps now.

2. A Pandora charm for the charm bracelet she didn't ask for.

You did it! You found the perfect personalized gift that lets her know you know stuff about her and her life. Thank God that chick at the mall was there to coax you through the whole process.

3. A $20 bouquet of flowers you bought last minute at Wal-Mart.

This is pretty, but you're not giving me a gift, you are giving me responsibility. How long do I have to keep these alive for anyway?

4. A promise/engagement ring.

Let's go ahead and get this straight now. DO NOT PROPOSE TO YOUR GIRLFRIEND ON VALENTINE'S DAY. You are basic as fuck. Goodbye.

5. Any puns relating to Hershey kisses.

You can skip the kisses, as well as any other puns. You didn't make it up, and 2 million other people have the same one.

6. A mixtape or playlist.

This is cool that you would think of them, but come on. We have Spotify, and they have algorithms. Spotify has my back, sorry.

7. That weird sticky note collage of "reasons why I love you."

Please don't waste the paper or my time on having to read all these little notes and then meticulously pull them down and throw them out.

8. His & hers anything.

I am my own woman, and I can drink out of my own big girl mug without the world having to know that I am in a relationship. Kthxbai.

9. A picture frame (with a photo) of you with her.

In case she forgot what you look like. It's kind of a narcissistic thing to give someone a photo of yourself anyway.

10. Take her to an overcrowded restaurant.

You and every other man on the planet are trying to take their lady out for a good time. Try the weekend after, you'll actually be able to enjoy yourselves and talk to each other instead of constantly asking, "What?"

11. Bonus point if you see Fifty Shades before or after.

Don't take her to see this movie. I'm sorry. These movies really aren't that good. If you want to know whether she'd be into something a little more dangerous in the bedroom...you could...I don't know? FUCKING ASK HER.

12. Make a long-ass social media post about your relationship.

Your #wcw every week should know how you feel. Keep the special moments between the two of your private. Don't broadcast your relationship to the rest of the world. (PS. They don't give a shit anyway, and don't want to see it.)

13. Expect sex because it's Valentine's Day.

You did it! You got the perfect gift. She went all out. Waxing, plucking, pulling, nails did, hair did, everything big. She even got the underwear with the hearts cut out. Sex is supposed to be spontaneous. Don't kill the vibe.