Well, it was bound to happen: a holiday that is predicated on people spending boatloads of cash is just not of the utmost national importance this year. Stories like WUSA’s are everywhere — profiles of florists and other such purveyors of romantically-inclined wares, bemoaning the adverse financial effects which a combination of penny pinching and this year’s weekend placement is bringing to their usual boon of Valentine’s sales. We’re sure that restaurants will also be feeling the pinch this year, as more people try to keep their credit card from exploding. (Personally, this writer is enthralled that my own valentine is flexible enough to push the traditional mid-February lavish dinner back to Restaurant Week.)

That said, kisses and hugs? Still free. (Thanks for the tip, Washington Post!) Plus, not every industry is suffering.

Ahem. Anyway, are you, DCist readers, taking the plunge and splurging — or are you spending your Valentine’s evening on the couch with a good book and some Chinese takeout? Either way, let us know in the comments.