Having a specific date on the calendar forces some of the more forgetful of us (this one with an XY chromosome pair) to at least PLAN to show our affections, and spike the economy on that day. _{(greeting cards, flowers, jewelry, cruises...)}

The expectation of such planning (and the extent of it) by others (SWMBO in my case) may frequently cause us unnecessary grief thus feeding other industries _{(liquor, counseling, retail, home repair,...)} ;)