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Ah the wonderful month of February; it brings warmer weather, less layering and of course the most romantic holiday, Valentines Day.
Each year on this special day people can pour their hearts and souls for that one special person. In college, this day might be dreaded by some, due to the expensive requirements that are expected on this day.
It's not about how much money is spent or big flashy gifts, it's about sentimental value and finding the right deals. Any person receiving that gift with value and thought will enjoy it.
Here are a couple of pointers on what to do and what not to do.
Do's:
• Take the time and effort making sure your idea or gift is sincere or from your creative side. Cards made or bought are nice to receive with a special meaning behind it.
• Flowers are traditional but most do come with an expensive price during this time of the year. Roses are traditional; however, there are substitutes such as lilies, tulips, and even tropical flowers. Anything that can be arranged and organized with a bow will suffice. Flower shops such as Ralston Florist have an early bird special that discounts until Feb. 9. Another way to go about ordering flowers is 1-800-Flowers. However, purchase in advance so the flowers will be delivered at a decent hour.
• Chocolates are the next best thing when it comes to tradition. Anything from a single Hershey's kiss to a heart shaped box will do the trick. Chocolate can add up just as much as flowers can. Depending on what that special person desires, suggested places to buy chocolate are local markets, See's Candies, and even Godiva.
• Not everyone is a natural Romeo or Juliet at heart, but on Valentine's Day there should be a little romance and love in everyone.
• Be on time with the Valentine's greeting. It would be a bad move to wait until night to give a box of candy and flowers just because you had procrastinated and did everything last minute. Preparation is best for this day and with that preparation will come great rewards. Don'ts:
• When it's time for that special date, make it a couples thing and exclude the group of friends. The more intimate the night is, the more romantic.
• No matter how badly in debt you may be, never reveal the amount spent for your Valentine.
• It's understandable that with the technology we have today it is everywhere, our cell phones, Blackberries, or even Palms Pilot. The temptation will be hard to ignore instant messages or text messages, but try to avoid looking at your cell phone unless to check the time. Contacting friends or family can wait until the end of the date unless an emergency.
• Whether it's a first date or a couples date, there is no need for smooth talking. Yes, it does happen. That coy one liner such as, "This is dinner isn't as delicious as you look right now!"
It doesn't matter how clever you can be, don't use it!
The person your with is obviously interested already or else you wouldn't have a date in the first place. Just relax, be yourself and be real.
• Everyone appreciates good manners despite the location of the date, don't let you yourself become lazy and forget all the manners your mother or grandmother taught you while growing up.
That doesn't mean if you mess up that you'll get smacked with a book, but it could knock off some of your points which are useful for later in the evening.
If you still are a little confused as to what the perfect gift or idea for V-day is, the best source is the person you're intending to spend it with. It's okay to ask what a person is into or not into, just try not to give too much away of what your final choice will be.
The total amount of money for everything throughout the entire day should be roughly around these prices. For a first date try $25 to $50, for couples $50 to $75, depending on how long that relationship is, and for engagements or marriage, anywhere from $100 to your max limit.
Again the price is completely up to you as the individual spending and how far you will go for the one special person.
Enjoy Valentines Day, hold your wallets dear, and maybe start saving now because by the end of the night, your wallet could start burning a hole in your pocket.
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