With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, many couples are scrambling around looking for something unique to do for their significant other to celebrate the holiday. Often times men either do too little or too much to woo their girl for the holiday, but it is possible to avoid Valentine’s Day blunders. Here are some simple precautions to take to ensure you and yours enjoy anything you have planned.
1. Don’t be lazy. I had a former boyfriend a few years ago present me with a Valentine’s gift in a way I will never forget: He offered to take me to the mall and shop for my own present and he would then pay for it. I understood the concept, he wanted to avoid buying me something I wouldn’t like, but he gave me the impression he was simply too lazy to even try. He ruined the spontaneity and originality women crave for the holiday.
2. Don’t borrow ideas of romance from your friends. Your date wants to know how special and unique she is to you and only you. If a friend of yours was able to woo his girlfriend in some way, don’t try to mirror the results through your own relationship. You run the risk of the possibility of your date finding out, and nothing is more mortifying then when girls swap romantic stories only to discover your romantic endeavors were not your own.
3. Don’t focus solely on what she would want. No matter how you try to orchestrate a night of romance, and no matter the amount of money you spend on your date, your attitude is what she will remember the most. If it pains you to take her to an expensive restaurant uptown, or to take her to the ballet, then don’t do it. Put into consideration the activities the both of you like doing together. Valentine’s Day isn’t just about forcing you through activities only your date enjoys or putting a hole in your wallet.
4. Don’t use economic difficulties as an excuse to do nothing at all. If cash is tight, you can still make your significant other feel special while being frugal. I had a friend in college who bought several bags of M&M’s, picked out all the green candies (his girlfriend’s favorite color), put them in a jar and gave it to her wrapped in a bow. His girlfriend was beguiled about the originality of the present over the amount of money he actually spent on it.
5. Don’t put off rendezvous to buy time. If you procrastinated buying a gift for your date and suddenly you wake up the morning of Valentine’s Day empty handed, don’t spend too much time running around trying to make it appear you put a lot of time and thought into preparations for the holiday. An original gift hand-picked by you is special, but time spent together is just as important.
