But for those who want something different from the “dinner and a movie tradition,” there are several other options - and they don’t exclude singles, either.

Lisa Clampitt, a certified matchmaker and the founder and executive director of the Matchmaking Institute in New York City, has devoted her career to making lasting relationships, and the memories that go with them. According to Clampitt, who provides matchmaking services to Michigan residents, Valentine’s Day isn’t just about long-standing couples and the same run-of-the-mill dates.

“Valentine’s Day is a celebration of relationships,” Clampitt said. “It’s one day, but it’s really about celebrating the little things that you do in a relationship that are ongoing. There are many ways to make it special.”

Couples celebrating years together have several options, and they can help provide a new spark to the long-term relationship. Clampitt suggests finding something different to do on Valentine’s Day, whether it’s cooking a romantic dinner at home together, changing the scenery a bit with a visit to Windsor, or taking a stroll by the water in the evening.

“It’s not just about big gifts,” Clampitt said. “It’s more about making the time together special. Share those things you enjoy about each other. Take time to learn something new about each other.”

And learning something new about a person may be even easier for those choosing to have their first date on the holiday. But first, new couples have to get past the pressure that Valentine’s Day inevitably brings.

“Remember to have fun,” Clampitt said. “It’s perfectly acceptable to bring a little gift along, but don’t be overly romantic.”

Clampitt also suggests that those on a first date put aside notions of possibly spending the rest their lives with the person.

“Just keep it fun and light and festive,” she said.

The same advice holds true for singles looking to do something on Feb. 14. Since Clampitt is a firm believer that the holiday is about relationships in general, she suggests gathering a group of friends for a night on the town.

“When you just stay at home, it is a little depressing,” Clampitt said. “I know a lot of singles who go out with their best friend and just have a good time. You don’t have to just sit at home and eat chocolate by yourself, but if you want to stay home, that’s fine, too. Just make sure you have fun at home.”

Clampitt suggests renting and old, favorite movie and making popcorn if you plan on staying home.

“The key is to enjoy yourself,” she said.

And although the focus on Valentine’s Day should be on relationships, Clampitt also recognizes the stress involved with trying to find the “perfect gift” on the big day.

“Some token is always thoughtful,” Clampitt said. “Male or female, it’s really sweet to bring something home. It could be a bag full of tinfoil hearts. It just depends on your budget. It doesn’t have to be a huge diamond pendant. Just personalize it.”

And with a little thought, even the Valentine’s Day tradition of roses can be personalized.

According to ProFlowers.com Design Specialist Eriko Ono, roses have different meanings depending on their color.

Red roses, which are the most popular Valentine flowers, have a variety of meaning. It can mean love, beauty and “I love you.” It can also represent courage and respect, as well as congratulations.

White roses present purity and youthfulness, as well as the giver saying “I am worthy of you.”

Pink roses can be given in love or friendship, because they signify appreciation, perfect happiness and admiration, as well as gracefulness.

Yellow roses, known as the “happy flower,” show joy and delight and can be given as a promise of a new beginning.

To show that friend that you want to be more than just friends, try yellow roses with a red tip. Known to ProFlowers.com as “romance roses,” they represent friendship and falling in love.

Orange or coral, known as the passion rose, signify the giver has desire, enthusiasm and a fascination for the receiver.

Red and white roses, when given together, signify unity.

Peach roses have the most direct meaning when given as a gift. They are the “let’s get together” and the “closing of the deal” rose.

According to Ono, last year, during the week of Valentine’s Day, ProFlowers.com delivered more than 400,000 bouquets of flowers. Ono said that while red roses continue to be the most popular rose given for Valentine’s Day, tulips are fast becoming the No. 2 flower given on Valentine’s Day.

For more information about the Matchmaking Institute, visit www.matchmakinginstitute.com. Visit ProFlowers.com for more information..