We all know that Valentine’s day is a big marketing scheme that, year and year again, succeeds at getting Americans to spend billions of dollars on cards, candy, flowers, and other unnecessary things to show affection to their loved ones. While we’re all about appreciating our lovers, we think there are better ways to go about it.

Here are our favorite ways to spend quality time with your lover this week without spending tons of cash on underwhelming gifts:

Give presence over presents. 

Now confirmed by Harvard research, relationships are the foundation for long, happy, and healthy lives. Many of us spend countless hours working out and fine-tuning our diet without giving much thought or care to the quality of our relationships with others. Use Valentine’s Day as an excuse to do just that—no commercial candy or flowers needed. Instead, spend quality time with your lover (or friends), and remember all of the reasons you’re grateful for the relationship you share.