Valentine's Day flower power

Go ahead, florists...hit me with your best shot. I'm ready for Valentine's Day.

Even though the holiday falls on a Sunday, we're bound to see an increase in office flower deliveries in upcoming days.

As I note in this week's nightlife column, the flower delivery game generally transforms into a brutally competitive process.

To many co-workers, a failure to order flowers suggests a lack affection on your boyfriend's part. Insert catty comments like, "Where are YOUR flowers this year?"

The hassles don't end there. Even if you do receive roses, there's always the co-worker whose significant other spent $200 on a bouquet that dwarfs yours.

At the risk of sounding greedy and materialistic, I'll note that most women don't consider flowers alone an acceptable Valentine's Day gift.

They're pretty, but they generally require a low level of effort. Women want to feel like you've done more than visited a Web site and clicked on a colorful icon.

So take this advice, guys: Order a moderately priced floral arrangement for Valentine's Day, and then give your S.O. a more personal, hand-picked gift on the holiday itself.

And yes, you might still have to pick up the dinner tab. Sorry.