Maybe this makes me a traitor to my gender, but I don’t want flowers on Valentine’s Day.

Why pay double for the same blooms just because it’s the 14th? I prefer the surprise of “just because” bouquets, which make regular appearances at chez Patrick when the sticker shock won’t induce a cardiac event. Reasonably priced flora are just as pretty, and leave more cash for dinner out.

And speaking of cash, boy howdy (yeah, that dates me), do we spend it for Valentine’s Day. Last year it hit $21.8 billion and is expected to increase to an average $175 per person for 2022, according to Wallethub’s annual Valentine’s Day Spending Survey.

But Americans may be starting to adjust their expectations.

While both this year’s and last year’s survey found more than a third of adults in relationships expected their Valentine to spend at least $50 on a gift (not counting the fancy dinner), these economically uncertain times may have renewed an old life lesson. The 2022 survey found that 70 million Americans expect their partner to spend less this year compared to last year.

Love shouldn’t be about money anyway, nor is this day just for lovers.

Key points from the 2022 survey:

1. Bad credit is unattractive: Compared to last year, 37% more Americans say they wouldn’t marry someone with bad credit.
2. Men are more willing to incur debt: 17% fewer Americans in the 2022 survey said a Valentine’s Day gift is worth credit card debt, but men are 29% more likely than women to do it.
3. Financial infidelity is worse than cheating? More than half (53%) of Americans think financial infidelity can be worse than romantic cheating.
4. Money secrets hurt: 30% said financial secrets are the worst relationship problem in 2022.
5. Women get more than they give: Men (average $235) will spend almost twice as much as women ($119) for Valentine’s Day 2022, with the most spent on jewelry, followed by flowers and candy.
6. But time and effort mean more: 58% of Americans said romantic gestures are more important to them now than they were pre-pandemic.

Not long ago most Americans were content with handmade cards, a single rose, focused time together, or a meaningful gesture. Complimentary notes snuck in a child’s school bag or lovingly left by grandma’s breakfast. A special dessert on a candlelit table set with the best china said, “I invested my time in you.”

Celebrating love in all forms in this stressed-out world seems more important than ever. But maybe we should try it retro, minus the big dollar sign. Coffee in bed, volunteering for chores without being asked, a little flirting, a loving expression of appreciation.

These say “love” like “stuff” never could.

See the survey at https://wallethub.com/blog/valentines-day-facts/10258.

“False love can be bought; true love is priceless.”

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Sholeh Patrick is a columnist for the Hagadone News Network who’s lucky in love and content to celebrate it 365 days each year, without the baubles. Email Sholeh@cdapress.com.