nothing symbolic here, really

Monday is Valentine's Day, I say.

Let's just do something symbolic, he says. We just gave each other a finished basement.

I'm quiet for a minute, studiously watching Jeopardy. What does "symbolic" mean? I ask, knowing perfectly well that I have already arranged for his gift, which I will not mention in this space on the very very off chance that he happens by between now and then.

Flowers? he says. And then optimistically adds Blow jobs?