There are a lot of expectations for Valentine’s Day. And it happens only one day a year. Here are a few ideas that will help you make the most out of this special day:
1. Do something you normally don’t do. The whole purpose of Valentine’s Day is to break out of your routine and remember the romance in your relationship.
2. If you buy a card, get one that doesn’t have writing inside it. Fill the inside with your own words.
3. Throw out that heart-shaped box of mass-produced chocolates that you found on the Walgreen’s endcap. There are tons of unique local alternatives with more character, like CocoaBella or TCHO here in San Francisco.
4. Consider staying in for Valentine’s Day and making her a romantic dinner. Yep, use candles, just like in the movies.
5. Or stay in for Valentine’s and make something together. Making homemade pizza together is fun and romantic (you could even make a heart-shaped pizza if you are so inclined).
6. Instead of cut flowers, buy her a beautiful potted plant. In two weeks, the cut flowers will be dead, but the potted plant will keep on living and growing (hopefully just like your relationship).
7. If you’re going out but want to avoid the crowds, consider celebrating on February 13th or 15th. Much like going out on St. Patty’s day or New Year’s, going out on Valentine’s can sometimes be amateur hour. You usually get longer waits at restaurants and bars, a smaller selection, and higher prices.
8. If you’re going out on the actual date, anticipate and plan for the wait. Find a cozy little cocktail lounge around the corner from the restaurant where you can wet your whistle while you wait for your table.
9. Bring a thoughtful gift, something special that shows you thought of her. For more tips, check out our earlier post, “A Guy’s Guide to Better Gift-Giving”.
10. Be present. Try not to use your cell phone during the date. You can go a few hours without checking in on Foursquare or updating your Facebook status. She’s worth it.
11. Respect the magic of the evening. Even if you’ve been dating for years, try not to let the conversation slip into mundane topics like your dad’s acid reflux or who’s going to pick up milk from the store tomorrow.
12. Order champagne. Why not?
13. But pace yourself with the booze. Make sure you’re running the race together, and one person isn’t sprinting ahead.
14. Take a picture together. You’re both probably dressed to the nines and looking pretty snazzy. Get someone to snap your photo and capture the moment.
15. Talk about when you met and when you first knew you were attracted to her.
16. Slow dance. Even if you’ve decided to stay in.
17. Tell her you had a great time, and that you’re glad she’s your Valentine.
Have other tips for Valentine’s Day you want to share? Leave a comment below.
Photo by Nils Geylen
