I think you and I might be the same in this regard, G - I realize I never made my ex step up to the plate in regards to Valentine's day. I accepted too little, even in the years when things were good between us.
The only person who really made an effort on Valentine's day for me was crazy ex-BF, who snuck into my bedroom in the middle of the night and left the room full of helium balloons. It was a sweet gesture, ruined later by finding out he did the same for the other woman he was seeing on the side at the same time that I didn't know anything about lol.
I'm not saying guys have to read our minds , or spend a fortune. But if the relationship is serious, they should make an effort. I'm thinking of some friends of mine - a couple in their 40's, they have a local punk rock band that they play in together (plus real day jobs). They've been married for a long time, at least 15 years I'd say. Geeky techie types. He always does sweet things for her for Valentine's and for their anniversary. This year she posted a picture of the helium balloons, silly stuffed animal, roses and girl scout cookies he got her. It's never JUST the standard stuff - although the balloons, flowers and stuffed animal are pretty standard - but then adds something that shows he really knows what she likes, like in this case the cookies. He'll buy her favorite candies, movies he knows she likes - simple stuff but I'm always impressed that he's thoughtful and giving her what he knows SHE wants.
You deserve a man who doesn't begrudgingly finally say the L word because it's Valentine's day after 2 years. You deserve a man who wants to woo you, who thinks you're special, and who puts some thought and effort into making you feel special. I hope that comes to you. But I think you, (like I should have done) , need to set a higher bar.
