stovetop secrets

Hey friends!
I need everyone's advice: What is your preferred method of preparing steak if you don't have a grill?
Also, does anyone feel that those pans with the grill marks are worth it? Do they make life better? Do they make food better? Do they make pretty grill marks, thereby making you feel like you're grilling outside?

I am the Luke Skywalker to your Obi-Wan. Guide me.