Valentine’s Day dos and don’ts

Valentine’s Day dos and don’ts
Valentine’s Day dos and don’ts

Don’t assume your partner loves Valentine’s Day as much as you

It’s no secret that some people love Valentine’s Day while others view it simply as a day designed purely around money making. Even if you have been married for years, it is important to know which side your partner falls on. Different things are important to different people and, while your partner not being overly excited about this occasion is no indication of their feelings towards you, it may be helpful to discuss your hopes and plans for Valentine’s Day in advance so as to avoid disappointment and, if necessary, reach a happy compromise.

Don’t forget February 14th!

No matter whether Valentine’s Day scores high on your list of top calendar dates or not, if it is important to the person you are married to then you should do your best not to forget it. Not only will forgetting Valentine’s Day potentially upset and hurt your partner, but you may find that they bring it up every February 14th for years to come! To stay in your partner’s good books, set yourself a reminder of the day and make sure to keep the evening free.

Don’t overanalyse gifts

Unlike men, women have a tendency to analyse every word, gift and gesture from their partner to decipher hidden meanings. However, it is important that, although it may be disappointing, you don’t take a rubbish gift on Valentine’s Day to heart. Just because your hubby or fiancé gives you a cheap and generic present it doesn’t mean he is making a statement about your relationship; in fact it may say more about his bank balance or feelings towards Valentine’s Day than it does about you. Besides, Valentine’s Day shouldn’t all be about the gifts.

Do shop with caution

With all of the above said, it’s still important to try to put a little thought into your gifts to try to keep Valentine’s Day conflict-free. As a rough guide, avoid buying anything overly practical (Valentine’s Day is not the time to buy her a new iron, no matter how much you think she needs it), and definitely avoid exercise equipment unless you want to potentially cause serious offence. Unless you’re proposing marriage, anything that comes in an engagement ring shaped box is also out. Also, if you plan on buying some underwear or clothing, do make sure you know her dress size.

Do make Valentine’s last all day

While most of us have work and responsibilities to attend to on Valentine’s Day, it is possible to maintain the romance throughout the day with minimal money and effort. To really make the most of the day, try not to keep celebrations just for the evening. Instead, get up a bit earlier and start the day with breakfast in bed, then send a quick text during the day (or slip a note in with their lunch) to let them know that you are thinking of them and looking forward to your plans later.

Do make reservations well in advance

Valentine’s Day is one of the busiest days of the year for most restaurants and DVD rental stores, so if you plan on heading out for a meal or renting a movie make sure you get in there early. Reserving a table a month in advance is perfectly acceptable – and often necessary – for Valentine’s Day. Also, unless you are genuinely hard up, don’t try to get away with booking a table for February 15th to try save some money as this will probably not make the best impression on your partner.

Do be creative

To really avoid the crowds on Valentine’s Day, it can help to think outside the box and plan something a little more creative. A bunch of flowers and reservations for the best restaurant in town may have always been met with appreciation before, but to really surprise your partner try planning something a little less generic like a homemade gift or a picnic (you could even have this indoors if the weather is bad). Also, avoid using a tried-and-tested formula you have used on other partners – make your other half feel unique and special with a date planned just for them.

Do remember it’s just one day

Many of us dream of having the perfect Valentine’s Day where we’re swept off our feet and lavished with attention from an adoring partner. However, as lovely as this may be, in reality it may be best to keep things in perspective. If you’re up to your eyes with wedding plans on Valentine’s Day it is important to remember that it is not the end of the world if you haven’t had time to make plans – there will be many other days in the future to score the perfect date with your partner. If you are newly wed, it is equally important not to stress if things don’t live up to expectations; bear in mind that your marriage is more important than just one day. Read more on getwed.com...
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