Today flowers and chocolates will be cascading throughout the North End as most everyone takes the time to spread the love of Valentine’s Day.

For some the day is just another excuse to say, “I love you” in a special way, but other sentimental days far outweigh Feb. 14 such as anniversaries and of course, her birthday.

Every wife deserves at least an effort from her husband to think outside the box and not just give her a last-minute container of chocolates and less than pristine handful of flowers.

Maybe it’s a gift certificate to her favorite beauty shop or a foot massage or simply a night of peace and quiet as you take the kids to McDonalds or Chuck E. Cheese.

For all she’s done for you and meant in your life, that’s the least you can do.

For some, today is the day when they finally find the courage to ask the love of their life that life-changing question which has been known to bring even the strongest of men to their knees in fear. It’s only four words, but “Will you marry me?” comes with no guarantees.

Fortunately, for most fellows who take that chance, the answer is yes, and then it’s a matter of holding on tight as your soon-to-be spouse takes over and begins making wedding plans. No, it’s not a given that she’ll accept your plane tickets to Las Vegas and get married tomorrow, but at least she said yes. She’ll most likely want to say, “I do” in front of all her family and friends after showing off that rock that you spent your very last dime to put on her finger.

Some couples will be married today and make that eternal commitment to love, cherish and honor each other in sickness and in health, for better or for worse, for rich or poor until their dying day. Along with all of the built-in romance to a Valentine’s Day ceremony, there’s also no excuse for the groom to ever forget his anniversary, which is worse than forgetting her birthday.

However, amid all the wine, roses and chocolate there’s also a sad side to this day that falls in the shadows. Just as roses have thorns, some hearts do get broken on Valentine’s Day. Whether it’s simply the rejection of a first date, the end of a six week or month relationship, a broken engagement, divorce or death of a loved one, people do hurt on this holiday.

Fortunately for some, their family and friends step up to save them from the temptation of drowning their sorrows with a stiff drink or some other unhealthy substance that will leave them worse off tomorrow than they were today. But for those who don’t, the outcome of today’s pain could be tomorrow’s tragedy.

For military spouses, today also brings a mixed bag of emotions as their loved ones are overseas fighting for everyone else’s ability to shower each other with roses and candies. Even though sending roses back to the States from places like Baghdad and Ramadi may be difficult, it’s not impossible. For them, simply a letter from the sands of Iraq or mountains of Afghanistan assuring them their loved one is safe even in harm’s way will be better than a dozen roses of any color.

It’s Valentine’s Day and all of us here at the Herald hope you take a few minutes out of your busy day and devote your sole attention to the soul you love most of all. Even if you’re single, do something for another single friend and share the love. Happy Valentine’s Day.