Crap I don't have to put up with and spend money on:
* Roses or some other assortment of dying flowers: $80.
* Useless trinket of jewelry: $150 minimum and it better be "her style" or else.
* Spa coupon: $200 plus the inevitable blowback. ("Are you trying to say I need this?" she demanded as she waved it in his face.)
* Romantic dinner out: $150, and it'll all be in the municipal sewer system in 24 hours, no different than a $12 Big Mac and fries and soda would be.
* Babysitter for the brats, for romantic dinner out: $100.
Total financial outlay: $680.
Statistical probability of getting some later: 0.6.
Statistical probability it'll be the same old same old: 1.0.
What a bargain. Gee I wish I had a girlfriend or a wife. It's not fair...