It’s that time of year again when reality rarely exceeds expectations — Valentine’s Day.

The commercial aspects of this or any other holiday aside, Valentine’s Day has become a time like so many others where what you think you are supposed to get or give may not be realistic or even appreciated by your significant other. I realize it’s a rarity for most couples to be specific about what they want or need, but perhaps this year, you should take the time to think outside the box a little bit when it comes to pleasing your sweetheart.

I’m not suggesting that you simply toss aside the tried and true gifts of flowers, jewelry, or a romantic dinner, but perhaps to add another dimension to it by taking your gesture to a higher level. Maybe this year, you do something terribly sweet and unexpected that your partner isn’t expecting. Maybe it’s reaching out beyond your family and intimate relationships to neighbors, friends and even strangers who could use a kind word or gesture on this day where those who are alone feel even more so. Maybe it’s by being gracious, kind, and loving in all interactions on Thursday. Maybe if we practice for one day being the type of person we all like to think we are, it will be a much sweeter day for everyone, not just your special someone.

Think outside the box this week. Celebrate Valentine’s Day by treating others as you would like to be treated in return. You may be surprised at how wonderful a day you end up having.

• Business Roundup

Southeastern Federal Credit Union is holding its official groundbreaking Friday afternoon on its new main branch at the corner of North Valdosta Road and Country Club.

It’s going to be a busy Friday afternoon as, also, Steeda Autosports is holding its official groundbreaking then as well. The company is relocating much of its manufacturing and corporate offices to Valdosta from south Florida and is going to really make an impact on our community soon.

Another of our new industries, Martin’s Famous Pastry Shoppe, the new bakery facility being built on Potato Roll Lane near I-75, is having an official “going vertical” ceremony Tuesday this week as the plant puts the finishing touches on its outside walls in preparation for finish work which should see it open by the end of summer.

One more opening this week to report, Artists on Ashley. The new art gallery by the New Orleans-style cajun restaurant downtown is now open for business.

On the not-so-good-news side, it’s my understanding that Rugged Wearhouse by Best Buy is closing, and there is a chance its next door neighbor may expand into its space.

On the not good but not bad news side, Mad Dogs gourmet hot dog shop by Harvey’s on Bemiss was supposed to open this week but has more work to do, so they should hopefully be done in the next two weeks. And the catfish house that is moving into the former Humdingers, also on Bemiss, has a sign up saying they’ve pushed their opening back to the end of February.

Look for work soon on the new Drury Inn by the interstate where the old Holiday Inn was, and on the new Hawthorn Suites being built where the former Northlake golf course was off Exit 22.

That’s it for this week, but if there’s anything I missed, please let me know!