Valentine's Day Do's and Don't for Men

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I wish I could say that all my Valentine’s Days are blissfully romantic and that my husband always comes through with unique and original ideas that leave me breathless. The truth is we usually don’t make a big fuss over Valentine’s Day. Last year we went shopping at Costco and hit a drive-thru on our way home…not our finest Valentine’s Day. Looking back over the last twenty years, I can see that we have violated more than a few of the unofficial rules when it comes to making Valentine’s Day special. Besides bulk shopping and a trip to Taco Bell, here are a few more Do’s and Don’ts to help make your day a little more romantic.

Don’t procrastinate. Don’t be the guy who stops off at the store on the way home from work and buys the only item left on the shelf. Yes, I know it is the thought that counts, but no thought goes into grabbing the last, smashed, candy heart box that Walgreens has.
Do make reservations. Restaurants are packed on Valentine’s Day, service is usually not good, and you may be in for a long wait. If you plan on dining out, call ahead.
Do cook for your loved one. If a night in suits you, then make a romantic meal. Just remember to turn off the television (no ESPN at all), light some candles and add in a decadent dessert.
Don’t expect her to clean up the dishes. Enough said.
Don’t buy appliances. Valentine’s Day is not the day to give gifts that remind her of cleaning or household chores. Try giving her something that says, “I love you for who you are, not your ability to get the laundry done.”

Don’t buy her lingerie. Come on, we all know the lingerie is a gift for you! Besides, lingerie is a gamble. Get a size too small, and she feels too big. Get her a size too big, and she feels like you see her as larger than she really is. It’s a lose-lose situation.

Do limit distractions. Make sure that if you have small children you plan ahead for a sitter. Even though your kids may be part of your celebration, other couples eating out do not want to dodge toddlers or hear crying babies. Turn off your phone and give her your undivided attention.
Do buy her cliché gifts like flowers and chocolates. Some women like getting flowers at work or home, and chocolates are only banned if the New Year’s Resolution to lose weight is still intact.

credit: lifehealthpro.com

Finally, no matter what you end up doing or how you celebrate, do what works best for you and DO tell each other how much you love one another.

We may have had fast food and a trip to buy toilet paper, but as long as the “I love yous” keep coming through-out the year, there is no pressure for us to make a huge display on Valentine’s Day. That being said, I still want the chocolate…the ones in the big, heart shaped box with two layers…and not just the mushy cream ones. I want the ones with cashews and almonds too.

I purposely left off #10 to see if someone could come up with another DO or DON’T on Valentine’s Day. Is there an unofficial rule that you follow or think should be added to the list? Leave a comment here and we will see who can come up with the best idea. Hope you all have a romantic Valentine’s Day!!