Valentine's Day is weeks away. But it's never too early to start giving my husband clues on how to celebrate his least favorite holiday.

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I can think of many reasons why V's Day is not worth bothering with. It's expensive, impractical, forced, a painful time to get a reservation and downright cheesy.

All that being said, we're married and in love, so there's nothing wrong with showing it a little stronger once a year. This year, I've decided to share a little top 9 list -- because 10 would be too pushy -- for Jack, a cheat sheet on what would make me happy without breaking the bank.

It's our shared bank, after all.

1. Take me to a movie

Not just any movie. I want to see a romantic comedy. I want my husband to take me willingly to one of 2007's "date movies." I even know of one coming out on the big day. He's got a sensitive side, so he might even enjoy it more than a Bruce Willis flick.

2. Make me dinner

The last time my husband made dinner, we were dating. His specialty used to be Shake 'n' Bake chicken with macaroni and cheese. Not fancy, but it worked for me. I can't say I make dinner every night at our house, but I can say he never does. That would be a huge treat that would make my night. Even egg sandwiches would work.

3. Do the laundry

Somehow, our division of household labor has left me handling the majority of cleaning duties, my least favorite being the laundry. Jack helps by carrying the cleans and dirties to and from the basement, but it would be amazing if he put the clean ones away.

4. Write me a love letter or card

I think a love letter is just amazing. Jack and I don't even e-mail anymore. He also hates buying cards. This one would be a really nice treat, especially because he's a great writer.

5. Skip the money talk

Money is always a topic in our house, a stressful one. We have a few big trips planned this year, which means we have to cut back on other expenses. I will do whatever it takes, but it helps not to have someone cursing about the credit card bill. If he's stressed out about money, I'm even more so. A day without talking about it would be a nice break.

6. Give me a massage

I don't need a fancy salon gift certificate. Jack has strong hands, and I have a stressed-out back. It may help him to know that statistics say most massages lead to something more. Everyone wins with this present.

7. No chocolate or roses

I hate chocolate, so that's a no-brainer. But I do love roses. Still, I'd rather my husband spend our money more wisely than grabbing a red box at the drug store or a handful of flowers at the grocery store. It's too cliche.

8. Make me a valentine

I know this is the ultimate "cheesy" present, but it would really make me smile. I even have a bunch of red and pink construction paper, scissors and glitter glue for him to use as he wishes. Who knows, this one might be even fun for him. And he can't say it will cost too much money.

9. Surprise me

This would probably be the most romantic gift of all and could be fulfilled with any of the above options. The best gesture I can think of is doing something for me unexpectedly and without my begging for it. I will definitely notice.

Now that I've laid out all the possibilities for what would turn me on this Feb. 14, I have to say it's not all about me. While guys don't get into the red and pink the way women do, my husband can still benefit from me taking a romantic nudge.

I have a feeling less will be more this year. Birthday suits can be worn in the cold of February, right?

Laura Lewis Brown is an adventurous newlywed who has loved, lost and doesn't mind sharing. Her column appears every other Thursday.