Everyone knows that Valentine’s Day has been exploited by greeting-card companies and florists to fill the glaring post-Christmas gift-buying void.

Easy answer: boycott.

But why not take the high road and reclaim romance for the real world? This year, instead of playing the part of she-who-doth-protest-too-much, try these twelve steps (hey, it’s worked for others) and accept the looming love fest.

Step #1
We admit we are powerless over cutesy how-to kits.

Step #2
We will share sweet things with those we love.

Step #3
We will shamelessly celebrate our girlie side.

Step #4
We’ll give the key to our heart to the right person.

Step #5
And we’ll keep it locked up from all the rest.

Step #6
We will fully embrace public displays of affection.

Step #7
We will not mend our broken hearts with bitterness.

Step #8
We will charm the world with a little sparkle.

Step #9
We will not be afraid to shake things up.

Step #10
We will take risks — even ones that throw our balance off.

Step #11
We will fix what needs fixing.

Step #12
And if all of this seems too sickeningly sweet, we will allow ourselves an occasional roll of the eyes. Because you never know what you’ll see when you’re looking up.