Not on Valentine’s Day, please!

This year is advancing way too fast for me. Wasn’t it just yesterday we were celebrating New Year and lo, in a blink of an eye, it’s February. The month of love, Cupid’s playtime or whatever you want to call it, all over the world, it’s time to celebrate Valentine’s Day. And what a wonderful time of year it is to slow down and take stock of the romantic situation in your life. To make that special person feel fully loved. And if things haven’t been going too well, it is the best time to start making amends by going out of your way and making an extra effort on Valentine’s Day.

Let’s face it, while there’s a sea of information and advice out there on what to do, how to dress, where to go and the right gift to buy for your Valentine, there’s not much about the things to avoid. So here’s what you must never do on Valentine’s Day.

Don’t do nothing!

The worst thing you can do on Valentine’s Day is, not do anything. Don’t make that mistake: not only is it an unforgiveable faux pas, it also breaks your loved one’s heart. It gives the message that you don’t consider them important enough to make an effort on this very special day. So please, whatever you do, just don’t do ‘nothing’! Take the initiative to make your Valentine feel special. Arrange for a romantic day together and don’t forget the flowers and a gift - the costlier the better, but even a small gesture means a lot. Try to be generous; it only comes once a year.

Fast food faux pas

For the boys, if you can’t afford a lavish dinner date, try arranging something intimate and special at home. Taking her to a fast food outlet doesn’t say much about you; it lacks style, looks cheap and does not feel special at all. Instead, take the initiative to cook for her. Set up a romantic table for two complete with candles, flowers and music. Ask her to wear her favourite gown, and dress up to impress as well. Even a night in on Valentine’s Day can be made special.

Just the two of you

If you’re single, what you absolutely mustn’t do is accept an invitation to join a couple on their night out on Valentine’s Day. This is a romantic day and three can be a crowd, which will very likely leave you uncomfortable. So thank your friends for their good intentions but decline graciously. Being unattached doesn’t mean you have to sit around moping on Valentine’s Day. Instead, hook up with friends who are in the same boat, watch a movie, go out for dinner and have a fun night out in town. With Cupid out to strike, who knows, maybe you will meet someone special.

No first date

Don’t go on a first date or worst still, on a blind date on Valentine’s Day. This is never a good idea as your judgement and actions could be influenced by the pressure of timing and the situation. Everyone around you is in a romantic mood, and you could feel obliged to go with the flow (if only for the other person’s sake), leading to mistakes you might regret later. You might even overlook qualities that you would ordinarily find off-putting in a prospective partner.

Don’t break up

If your relationship is on the rocks you might not want to celebrate the day dedicated to lovers, but do keep track of the calendar and whatever you do, please don’t break up on Valentine’s Day.

It’s just not worth it. Not only will you break someone’s heart on this sacred day for love, but you will create unpleasant memories for yourself for years to come. Forthcoming V-Days will remind you of the relationship that ended on that day and while there will be relief, there could even be some regret. So save yourself the baggage and hold up for a day or two after Valentine’s Day to call off a relationship.

Don’t overspend

While it is recommended you splurge a little on Valentine’s Day, it is definitely not worth getting into debt. So be mindful of not breaking your budget as a single day of enjoyment could lead to financial burdens which, in many cases, will strain the relationship with that same person on whom you splashed all your dough. Girls like to be made to feel like princesses on Lover’s New Year, but they resent having to pinch pennies for months afterwards to pay for the experience.

The worst thing you can do on Valentine’s Day is, not do anything.

Don’t expect too much

It is not a good idea to set yourself up for disappointment by expecting too much. If you expect little and get little, even that will make you happy. And if something extraordinary happens, it will be a bonus.

Cut the comparisons

Don’t compare your gifts with those that your friends have received. Be thankful for a considerate partner who made an effort to make you feel special and loved. Show your appreciation by reciprocating the gesture. Comparing gifts is a bad idea. After all, isn’t it the thought that counts?

Have a memorable Valentine’s Day!

If you can’t afford a lavish dinner date, try arranging something intimate and special at home.

S

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