Ahh yes, love is in the air as the weather changes from an icy, chill breeze to a warm afternoon. As Valentine’s Day comes around the corner, young couples must think about how to spend their money for their significant others.

Now full disclosure, I am currently in a relationship and so far things have been going pretty well. In four months of dating, we’ve seemed to have a good time, and yes every once in a while we bicker and have small tid-bits, but so far everything has been going fine in my book.

I am also a college student, which means that most of my money is either going to a bar tab that I have to pay, or to getting food on the weekends since I pretty much live off of ramen and canned soup. I really want to do something nice for Lex this year since pretty much this is my first Valentine’s Day doing anything, so I did some research.

Guys, let’s be honest for a second, we know about every 9 out of 10 of us really isn’t a romantic. We’d rather be watching a basketball game or drinking with the guys than going out to a nice restaurant, or having a picnic by the lake or whatever Nicholas Sparks tells women men are supposed to be like in whatever new love story he’s got cooking up in his romantic head. Unfortunately, our dear girlfriends put up with our crazy shenanigans on a constant basis, and usually don’t say a single thing about it, so one night of the year, we can be romantic towards them.

Now I know that we are poor, but here are just 10 ways to even come close to being anything like Luke Collins or Noah Calhoun or … wow I’m turning into a woman as I’m writing this article.

Rent her favorite movie

Now look, I’m not a fan of the rom-com’s or of the sappy love stories, but think about it, it is cheap. Thanks to technology, now-a-days we can hit a button on our television or laptop and boom, her favorite movie is right on the screen. It will usually cost only around five dollars, and after getting a five-dollar bottle of wine and some popcorn, 10 bucks is worth a nice night on the couch while your significant other keeps reaching for the tissues every five minutes. Yes, you have to deal with that.

Buy her flowers

A dozen roses and a nice back message is a thoughtful way to show a new relationship that you care for her. Sorry for the guys who have been in a relationship longer than three months, but for anyone below that mark, this is a great idea. Flowers are a sign of romance and a nice way to say, “hey thanks for putting up with me drunk at the bar last weekend." Roses run for about $12 for a dozen, or you could always hit up Delta Gamma who has their annual Flower Gram philanthropy event around this time. It’s cheap and ladies love it, a win for you my friend.

Big teddy bear.

As sappy and corny as those things are, the giant teddy bear business makes their biggest profit around this time of the year. Yes, while it may be annoying to drag it out of the store and shove into your car and have all your friends make fun of you as you drive down the street, your lady friend will love it. It’s a giant cuddly bear she can squeeze at night and think of you when she’s sleeping, and you’re off doing something else. You can find these lovable scamps pretty much at any Wal-Mart, Target or CVS corner store in your town and remember, the fluffier, the better.

Cook Dinner

Now depending on what you buy, this could get expensive, but honestly, this might be the most romantic one on this list. Seriously, go to your nearest Publix, buy the store brand linguini pasta, store brand parmesan, store brand marinara sauce and some chicken cutlets and 15 dollars later, boom: chicken parmesan for two. It doesn’t matter if you don’t know how to cook, that’s what YouTube is meant for in situations like these. She’ll love the fact that you can do more than just chug a beer, and think it’s sweet that you were in the kitchen instead of making a joke about her being in it.

Walk the beach

This one really only applies to those who have access to a body of water. According to the “Love God” himself, most of Nicolas Sparks’ books mention some part where the couple walks the beach, looks into each other’s eyes and finally has that big romantic kiss. Take out all of the girly stuff and then you realize, that is a free romantic day trip. As long as you have gas in your car, pick up the nearest bottle of Sangria from your local liquor store and enjoy a glass while your girlfriend can’t wait to giggle and smile when the water runs between her toes. It’s a nice walk, which gives you exercise and a free chance to actually have a nice moment with someone you find special in your life.

Make her something

Okay so maybe you’re even too poor to get in a car and drive to the water. No worries man, do something from the heart and watch her face light up. Sure it’s more of a gift you’d see a two year old give to his mommy for Valentine’s Day, but the message is still clear; you care about her. Anything from making a photo album of fun photos of you two to chopping down a tree from the woods and then carving “I love you” into a sculpture, she will light up with delight knowing that you went out of the way doing something special for her on the most romantic day of the year.

Stargazing/bonfie

One of the most underrated actives people never seem to do is go stargazing. Sitting in the bed of your pickup or on the hood of your car while playing music is one of the most relaxing things anyone could do. Just wait until it’s dark, get in your car and drive to the nearest park, lay on top of your car and play Coldplay or whatever type of music she listens to and get ready for a relaxing night. If you feel like spending a little more cash, a bonfire only cost about 10 bucks for three hours of burning wood. While she’ll be gazing at the stars in awe, you’ll actually enjoy it too.

Don't date a girl who likes Valentine's Day

This one is my (and Lex’s) personal favorite since she hates this day. Every girl likes to feel special every once in a while, but some girls actually find this holiday to be dumb. Even if they are in a relationship, some females out there find Valentine’s Day to be nothing more than just a day like any other. Some girls would rather just order Chinese food, watch a comedy or action flick and go to sleep after all that, rather than get dolled up for a romantic night out on the town. If you find a girl like that, she might just be a keeper.