At one point or another, we’ve all experienced the feeling of a balloon knocking us upside our noggin in the middle of the hallway or have smelled the suddenly overwhelming aroma of chocolate in our first period class. Usually, these things happen on or around Valentine’s Day, and as students we’re familiar with public displays of affection that take place when that special day rolls around.

54% of Americans will celebrate Valentine’s Day this year, with guys spending an average of $190.53, and gals spending an average of $96.58 on gifts for various reasons. Here at West, we send flowers to each other, but occasionally, you will have your super-valentines, the handful of people who go beyond the call to action to show their sweetheart that they really care, only to the inconvenience of others.

Even though Valentine’s Day is on a Sunday this year, it’s expected that we’ll still see some displays at school. If you’re planning on showing off to your sweetheart, here are some things you might want to rethink this year, and some alternatives you should consider:

• Making a scene: 

You’re with your friends in the hallway and here comes your valentine, dressed to the nines with the largest teddy bear you’ve ever seen in your life. They’re playing the most romantic song from the 80s, and everyone in the hall is watching. At that moment, you may be flattered and looking around with heart eyes, but everyone else in the hallway is thinking about how many people you’re potentially going to clobber with that behemoth of a teddy bear. Additionally, if the person you’re bestowing these gifts upon is not a fan of attention, buddy, you’re in big trouble.

Your alternative:

Perhaps it’s better to save the larger surprises for after school, or maybe you could deliver the gifts to your sweetheart’s house. It would save a lot of space in the halls and potential embarrassment for the other person.

•  A hallway make out session: 

You’re probably thinking, “When do people find the time to do this in the halls when we have 4 minutes to walk halfway across the building in what is comparable to highway traffic?” The thing is, people still seem to find a way to do it. In the moment, it may seem romantic and amazing, but if you’re carrying on in between bells, chances are you’re both either getting stampeded or getting thrown dirty looks by those who aren’t single and bitter, but are trying not to lose their lunch.

Your alternative:

Maybe a peck on the cheek will save the stomachs of sensitive onlookers, or you could save it for when you’re alone.

• The balloon bouquet: 

In a crowded school where space to walk is everything, the amount of balloons seen in the halls is startling. I’ve been trapped there myself, but only with 1 or 2 of them. What’s even more surprising is seeing someone with 5 balloons struggling in the halls. You want to love the balloons but the lack of mobility you’re experiencing is all over your face.

Your alternative:

Available for everyone to purchase are those tiny (around 9 in.) balloons attached to a stick that still hold the sentiment of an average-sized balloon, but also allows less space to be taken up.

• Chocolate for breakfast: 

A box of chocolate is a nice gesture, and a completely safe one this year. The only thing that could ruin it is eating it first thing in the morning. I speak for those sensitive stomachs when I say that the smell of chocolate is potent and nauseating to those whose stomachs can’t handle it that early.

Your alternative: 

Chocolate for lunch is fine (unless your dietician says otherwise).

•  Making big commitments: 

Hopefully, none of you are planning on proposing on Valentine’s Day, but in the same strain, don’t make any big commitments that you aren’t prepared to keep, just because you got caught in the romance. Saying things like “we’re going to be together forever” and “you’re the oxygen I breathe, I can’t live without you” will not only potentially scare your sweetheart, but peg you as extremely creepy.

Your Alternative:

Think “greeting cards”. Not that you have to quote them, but consider sweet things to say that don’t include large promises.

So on this Valentine’s Day, if you find yourself getting ready to buy handfuls of balloons and a 6 foot tall teddy bear, consider your alternatives, and don’t let your labor of love become the bane of someone’s existence.