Valentine's Day Ideas

The big day is just weeks away.  If you started planning Valentine's Day last year, more power to you.  For the rest of us, I've got a few tips.

1. Let's skip the over sized teddy bears and frogs from Wal-Mart this year.  I think we can all agree that once you have 1, you have 1 too many.
2. Cheap chocolates are not an option.  They only may your stomach hurt and you will be alone by the next Valentine's Day.  Spring for a fancier type of chocolate.  When in doubt, go with their favorite candy or snack.  You can never have too many of those.  Also, be mindful of a person's health when giving them sugars.  The last thing you want is your diabetic girlfriend to go into shock or to spend your night in the ER because the nut transfer in the candy caused an allergic reaction for your boo.
3. Homemade gifts are cute and show that you care.  Homemade gifts that look like a 3 year old did them, may get you some unwanted responses.  It is okay if you are not the most artistic person.  There is nothing in the rules that says you cannot outsource a homemade gift.  Some suggestions include making cards, mixed tapes, dvds, picture frames, scrapbooks, poems, furniture, etc.
4. Sex is not required.  Just because someone gives you a nice Valentine's day gift, does not mean you have to sleep with them.  Send a nice thank you note in the morning, but don't feel obligated to do anything.  Sex is not a bargaining tool.  Sadly enough there are many people who disagree with my last statement.  If your goal is to get laid on Valentine's day, you have just proven that you feel you are only capable of a 1 nighter and not a long-term relationship.  If you are married, hoping or planning for a romantic night of passionate love making is still not required.  Again, this is optional.  If sex is all you want, then state that to your partner.  If you want more, ask for more.
5. Be creative.  Take time to think outside the box.  What is something your spouse has been asking for for the longest?  Show them that you have been paying attention.  Think outside of that Tiffany box.  You may not be able to afford the expensive watch or earrings that your spouse wants.  You may be able to write them a poem, sing a song, or start a savings account with their name on it that will show your efforts to save money to buy them the car, watch, or suit they have been wanting.
6. Enjoy the day.  Please do not spend more time in the store trying to pick a gift than you do with your spouse.  We spend so much time obsessing over the perfect gift, but forget to enjoy the actual day.  

Single or not, Valentine's day is about sharing love with others.  Many times I tell my husband not to buy me anything.  He doesn't always listen, but I still accept the gifts and continue on with my day.  I would much rather spend time together and get a break from washing dishes than to have a box of chocolate that i wont eat.  The choice is yours on what you buy.  I hope you will remember to share love on this day and not go broke.

#lovealways