Valentine’s Day is only a “panic time” if a man forgets his better half on the 14th of February.

For the rest of guys with a significant other, it’s important to ensure they make their lady happy on Sunday.

How did the candy, flowers and gift exchange get off the starting block? According to the HistoryChannel.com, one legend contends that St. Valentine’s Day, as we know it today, got its big break in the third century, when Roman Emperor Claudius II decided that single men made better soldiers than those with wives and families.

He outlawed marriage for young men–– his crop of potential soldiers. St. Valentine, realizing the injustice of the decree, defied Claudius and secretly continued to perform marriages for young lovers. When Valentine’s actions were discovered, Claudius ordered that he be put to death.

While the noble history of the holiday may make great dinner conversation, most guys are more concerned about whether their official Facebook gal is worthy of a date to Chovy’s Italian Cuisine or Chippers.

A recent poll by Men’s Health Magazine may be just what Cupid would order to keep his arrows on target.

Here are a few pointers:

Flowers.

In short, women want them. Two out of three women polled say this expected move is still a winner in their minds. Even if you weren’t born with a green thumb, there are plenty of low cost, surprisingly beautiful arrangements that will score you big points. Some area grocery stores even accept Gator Cards.

Valentine’s Day cards.

Keep it simple. Skip the elaborate factory-produced cards and go with something from the heart – in one’s own endearing scrawl. Handmade cards are preferred by two out of five women.

Dinner.

It’s a perfect way to round off the evening. It might be a slight surprise that going out to a new restaurant edged out “his place” 26 percent to 23 percent. But this is in keeping with the idea that Valentine’s Day is special, and going to a new place will make the night memorable. A little surprise can’t hurt. A safe fallback is a favorite eatery; one in five women said it was the most romantic call.

While these tips are fine for the hitched, according to a recent poll by The New York Times, 65 percent of men between the ages of 18 and 21 are single.

In short, it doesn’t do most Allegheny College guys much good. And for those who aren’t happy bachelors, it may emphasize the fact that they’re flying solo on the big day.

Laura S. Brown, a professor of psychology at Argosy University of Seattle, says fear not –– the most important message that singles should remember on Valentine’s Day is that love is not just for couples; it is for everyone.

“Love is not about a particular day or about being in a relationship. The illusion that coupled people are happy and well-loved can feed feelings of loneliness or isolation for people who aren’t with someone, and wish they were.”

So guys–– regardless of your relationship status, Valentine’s Day is historically dignified.

If you’ve got a lady and can swing it, treat her to flowers and a card, or even dinner.

But if you’re unattached, your attention surely won’t be wasted on family and friends.