What It's Like When You're A Guy And You Freaking Love Valentine's Day

Disclaimer: I'm a super sensitive sap and I love "love."

I wear my heart of my sleeve, and I'm proud of it.

I may find romantic comedies to be clichéd and over-the-top, but that's because they're fiction and not realistic.

The romanticism seen on screen is an exaggeration of real life events and feelings, but until you bring those feelings forth into the real world, you'll live in a fictitious fantasy land.

Love is a feeling that every individual feels in his or her own way.

The way you love something is completely different from the way your friend, partner or parent may love that same thing.

I've been in a relationship for two and a half years now, and it's been the greatest experience of my life.

To be able to share my experiences, my ups and my downs with someone who is there for me in a way no one else can be is exhilarating.

Before I was in a relationship, I didn't understand all the buzz about Valentine's Day.

This was partially because I had never experienced love, and partially because I thought it was another made-up holiday to sell crap we don't need.

To me, Valentine's Day was a joke, and I rolled my eyes every time the holiday would come around.

I realized I love Valentine's Day because it's the one day of year when you get to celebrate your commitment to another person in any way you choose.

It can be over-the-top, it can be subtle or it could be an in-between mix.

It's up to you to determine how you want to celebrate.

Valentine's Day comes with a lot of pressure for men.

Society expects high levels of romanticism and gift-giving like it's the Super Bowl of love.

Realistically, one's love for another is not measured by the gifts given, the trips taken or the fancy meals eaten, but by the thought and preparation behind the day.

As an only child, I always got very great gifts growing up, and I always looked forward to receiving gifts on appropriate holidays.

I also feel gift-giving should be reciprocated, especially on Valentine's Day because it's the perfect opportunity to spoil the one you love.

Yes, there are birthdays, anniversaries and other little celebrations and holidays throughout the year, but Valentine's Day just feels special.

(Side note: It's extremely tacky to propose on Valentine's Day, and it shows a complete lack of creativity on a man's part.)

As I said before, Valentine's Day is the Super Bowl of love.

You have to bring your A game (circumstances pending, of course).

I love Valentine's Day because I get to put my creativity to the test and keep up that level of surprise for my girlfriend.

It allows me to keep the mystique alive in our relationship.

It keeps things fresh.

As a man, Valentine's Day allows me to show my sensitive and caring side more so than any other day.

While you should always be in a loving, healthy, communicative relationship, this day is an opportunity to put yourself out there.

I'm a firm believer that life is too short, and you have to live life in the moment.

Every Valentine's Day is an opportunity to improve myself from the year before, and we're able to build new and lasting memories.

Valentine's Day is a holiday for both sexes, not just for women.

As a man, I'm looking forward to what my girlfriend has in store for me.

If there wasn't Valentine's Day, my relationship would still be the same, and I'd still find ways to shower my girlfriend with love and make her feel special.

That's what we're supposed to do.

Our love would still be celebrated.

Valentine's Day emphasizes the relationship between two individuals and puts their relationship in the spotlight for all to see.

Every relationship is different, but I love Valentine's Day because I get to compete for the MVP title every year.