As we prepare for another day full of cheesy sentiments and heart-shaped boxes, I want to discuss something very disturbing that I have noticed.

While all of us men are tripping over ourselves trying to find just the right gift to impress a certain someone, what exactly are those special ladies doing for us? Are they freaking out as much as we are? Are they bending over backward to make sure that we aren’t disappointed once Feb. 14 rolls around?

Well, to be completely honest, I don’t think so. The effort on the part of the fairer sex seems to have disappeared, and frankly, I’m pretty disappointed.

There was once a time, back when everyone’s favorite part of the day was recess and there seemed to be a field trip every other week, when girls went all out on Valentine’s Day. They brought in backpacks full of candy to hand out to every boy in class. Some of the luckier boys might have received a personalized message from an interested girl.

Girls looked forward to Valentine’s Day because they got to be creative and tell their crush how they really felt. Boys looked forward to it because they got candy. Times were good.

Then, slowly but surely, things changed. Girls appeared to do less and expect boys to do more. Suddenly, we were the ones buying the candy and writing the notes. We were way out of our comfort zone, but accepted it and saw what needed to be done.

In our foolishness, not only did boys become more active in the Valentine’s Day process, but we also took it to the next level. Candy and a card didn’t quite cut it anymore. Flowers, stuffed animals and even jewelry entered the equation and the holiday became seemingly as important — and expensive — as a birthday or Christmas.

The role reversal that took place seemed to be a part of maturation. It was as natural as puberty.

Lately, I’ve been thinking more about this trend, and I started to wonder if it was just me that felt this way. Maybe I’m just crazy and imagining things or had one too many bad Valentine’s Day experiences.

However, a lengthy discussion with a couple of friends quickly confirmed my original feelings. Nearly every guy I talked to about the issue agreed that the holiday has become very one-sided. Nobody could remember if they received anything last year, but could easily recall exactly what they gave to their girlfriend and even about how much it cost.

I refuse to believe this is a coincidence.

I’m sure that there are a few women out there who still put forth a strong effort for the holiday. In fact, I bet there are a lot, and I’ve been fortunate enough to spend a Valentine’s Day or two with some of them. Unfortunately, there seems to be too many women who want everything given to them without giving anything in return.

So what should us men do to fix the problem? Obviously, we should boycott the holiday and refuse to participate in something so unfair in which only women — and Hallmark — can enjoy, right?

Well, good luck with that. Unfortunately, it will do nothing but leave you lonely this Sunday and every Valentine’s Day after that if you keep it up.

Maybe you should just explain to your Valentine that you try very hard to get her what she wants and think that she should do the same. Once again, probably not the best idea.

I would actually like to encourage every man to do the exact opposite. Go the extra mile, buy that necklace you know she wants and expect nothing in return.

It may not seem fair now and completely contradict everything that I’ve previously said — but who cares? We all know relationships are easier when your girlfriend is happy, and for those romantics out there, putting a smile on her face should be enough of a reward.

When it comes down to it, Valentine’s Day should be more about secret admirers and having someone who is important to you instead of what kind of presents are being exchanged.

That does not mean I am letting you females off the hook, though. I’m sure the man in your life wouldn’t mind a present either, and it shouldn’t be too hard. After all, times were good when we were just getting candy, and I’m sure they can be good again.

Jeremy Warnemuende is a State News intern. Reach him at warnemu3@msu.edu.