So, you’ve made it through the year to Valentine’s Day and you’re still in a relationship. Or maybe you just managed to snag someone to call “boo” two weeks before the big day, just so that you don’t have to be alone (I’ve never heard of that happening in real life, but it seems to happen on sitcoms a lot). Either way, congratulations. You have a Valentine. Someone to snuggle up to at an expensive restaurant, to feed you chocolate while you play footsie, and to do dirty things to at night.
However, just because you have a Valentine at the beginning of the day doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll have one by the end. Unless you’re careful, you could end up like so many others, eating chocolate ice cream out of the carton and sobbing during a particularly heart-wrenching re-run of Extreme Makeover: Home Edition. I’ve seen it happen to even the best couples.
Luckily, I consider myself a Valentine Veteran and I’ve prepared a few tried-and-true tips for having a rockin’ V-Day.
Don’t forget. Seemingly obvious, sure, but make sure you do SOMETHING small to acknowledge the day, even if your other half said that they didn’t want to do anything.
Do skip the skinny jeans for the night. Those angry red marks that they leave on your thighs just don’t scream “I’m sexy and I know it” at the end of the day. And let’s face it, you want to be on your best –ahem- body behavior that night.
Don’t get a guy flowers. I’ve heard before that guys think flowers are nice too, but in all honesty, those guys are probably just saying that to be nice. The real way to show someone that you care is to get them something that is personal to them. For most guys, that’s not flowers.
Do talk about what each of your expectations are for the holiday beforehand. Surprises are nice, but you know what’s not? Giving someone a middle school-style valentine with Optimus Prime on it when they got you something shiny and expensive and makes you want to sing some sort of jewelry jingle. Be on the same page.
Don’t watch movies that are too perfect. You don’t want your plans for dinner to be upstaged by Patrick Dempsey in any movie he’s ever made. Or Rachel McAdams for that matter. You might kiss in real life, but you might also be plagued by thoughts like, “why hasn’t he/she done that for me?!”
Don’t do Taco Tuesday with your buds again. I know $3 margs can be hard to pass up, but this should be a day for the two of you.
Do put a little thought into the night. I’m not saying get a tux and ball gown and do a carriage ride through central park, just wear your nice jeans, clean up a little, and make a nice dinner. Is that too much to ask for?z
Don’t do something completely outlandish that you know you’ll never be able to do again. Because guess what? You’re going to have to top that next year.
Do turn off the computer and leave your cell phone in the other room. It can be hard to accept an “I love you” from someone who’s simultaneously having a conversation about who made the NBA All Star Team.
Don’t leave your iPod on shuffle. Because while Barry White might be seducing, Lady Gaga definitely isn’t.
Do something different than normal. If the two of you always watch three episodes of How I Met Your Mother at the end of the day, use this as a chance to mix up your routine and play a game of Bananagrams instead.
Happy Valentine’s Day!
BANANAGRAMS!!!!!! I looooove you and this is so great :’)
You can buy me a plant.