February 14 is ValentineFs Day to you and me, Día del Amor y la Amistad for your Mexican neighbors.

The customs practiced on the occasion are pretty much the same in this country as those in the lands we come from.  What’s different is that while Anglos tend to focus affection on the people they hold most dear, mexicanos and mexicanas embrace a broader concept celebrating both love and friendship.

So how will you mark the day? If you’re thinking about dining out with a special someone, keep in mind you won’t be alone. A recent public opinion poll revealed that would be Valentine’s gift of choice for around 80 percent of romantic couples.

Here’s my list of alternatives:

Shift your brain into amigo gear. Brush off everyday aggravations and put on a happy face. Blurt out a cheery Buenos Días to everyone you encounter in the street. For one day, don’t grumble about dumb drivers who contribute to the maddening traffic congestion out on the highway. Instead, smile and give a friendly wave as you yield the right of way to pedestrians and other motorists, feeling warm fuzzies while you tootle along at a snail’s pace. Hand a generous tip to the Walmart bagger, even if the heaviest cans get shoved into the same package with loaf of bread.

Tune into Spanish. After all, it’s a Romance language. Crank up the boom box with ranchera songs and other traditional genres that are loaded with tales of the heart. Memorize a popular proverb like a manos frías, corazón ardiente, translating to cold hands, not warm, but burning heart. Or barriga llena, corazon contento (full tummy, happy heart).

Indulge in chocolate to your heart’s content. Totally appropriate day to gobble up the heavenly manna that Mexico gave to the world. And share the pleasure with others. Lakeside has plenty of sources to buy first rate chocolate goodies. Even a dark chocolate Hershey bar, produced at the factory in nearby El Salto, will do the trick to unleash mood-enhancing endorphins and heart-healthy antioxidants.

Get a dog. It’s the perfect day to bond with man’s best friend. Scientific studies show that the simple act of petting a pooch lowers heart rate and blood pressure. Having a canine companion will likely help you sleep better at night, avoid getting sick, reduce bad cholesterol levels and increase the chances of surviving a heart attack. A pup in your life can also remedy bouts of stress and depression, psychologists say.

Dogs are staunchly loyal and far more inclined to giving unconditional love than humans. When’s the last time you saw a dog leave the toilet seat up, strew wet towels and dirty socks on the floor or spend hours picking out a frock and slapping on makeup while you’re anxiously waiting to step out the door?

Looking at the idea from the animal’s perspective, it’s a win-win proposition. Our community has an over-abundance of adoptive strays. Have a heart. Buzz out to The Ranch or Lucky Dog shelter to pick a four-legged friend in need of a forever home.