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How Not to Strike Out on Valentine's Day

Posted Fri, Feb 06, 2009, 4:42 pm PST
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Cupid is sharpening his arrow, florists are doubling their stock, and men and women everywhere are starting to sweat...must be Valentine's Day.

What we love about this day is its creative spirit that sparks some lovers to go above and beyond to show their affection. What we find annoying is that everyone feels obligated to do something. Romance should be spontaneous and sweet, not mainstream and manufactured. 

However you choose to spend your V-Day -- and whomever you choose to spend it with -- here are a few Foxy pointers to get you through smoothly...

DON'T... 

  • Follow the Herd  Most lovers appreciate a little one-on-one time on this particular day. So, don't even think about suggesting that the two of you join a small army of friends for "a couple of beers" and some loud club music.
  • Make It a Bling Thing  Even the slightest hint that you're expecting an engagement ring can make him run for cover.  Unless you think it's time to get rid of him, we recommend avoiding any ring talk.
  • Ask for the Stars Along similar lines, if your partner is unsure of what to get you and wants your input, avoid mentioning ultra-pricey precious gemstones and metals, timepieces, or exotic trips, especially if you recently started dating. It's just not cool, especially during these challenging economic times. There are other ways that he or she can make you feel like a queen or king -- without the pressure of price tags.
  • Be a Cliché   Red roses are pretty, sure. Chocolates taste good, yup. But don't do both, unless you add in something unique. Differentiate your relationship from every other one out there. A big bowl of garden-fresh gardenias or a sweet bunch of colorful Gerber daisies speak volumes over a dozen been-there-done-that red roses. We appreciate when you think outside the chocolate box.


DO...
 

  • Get Crafty  Make a homemade card or collage, design a T-shirt at the copy shop with an inside joke, or log onto Snapfish or iPhoto and design a do-it-yourself photo album -- it's fun to create and affordable, too.
  • Mix It Up  Make a mixed CD of favorite songs. This is a gift that carries a lot of weight. It's thoughtful and requires some decent time to make it -- brownie points for you!
  • Woo Chez Vous  Invite your loved one to your place for a perfect evening in. Make pasta together, grill steaks and potatoes, or just order in a pizza, open a bottle of tasty wine, and light lots of candles. Afterwards cuddle up on the sofa and watch a movie over a pint of decadent ice cream with a shared spoon. What could be better? Remember, V-Day doesn't have to be fancy.
  • Go Sweet 'n' Sexy  Sure, buy her lingerie. Most women will love it. But stick with sweet little somethings and avoid the satin cheesy stuff. You can't miss with soft cotton chemises, a few pairs of Hanky Panky panties, or a sexy silk robe. Include a little canister of the Laundry's Finest, so she can clean her new unmentionables with a gentle organic wash. That will show that this gift is as much for her as it is for you.
  • Book 'Em  Books are always a great give -- personal, thoughtful, and classy. Inscribe a sweet note in it, and you'll win someone's heart for sure. Our current faves: for guys, Malcolm Gladwell's latest, The Outliers; and for gals, The Blind Assassin by Margaret Atwood.

...And check out these Valentine's desserts you can make at home.

For more tips on how to live well, visit foxyandco.com. And for more style scoop, check out Curves Rule and Flat Is Fabulous - Sexy Stylish Looks For Every Figure.

 

Average (82 Ratings): 2.5 out of 5 stars

  • 1. Posted by K Bear's Daddy on Sat, Feb 07, 2009, 7:37 am PST

    I have to say--as I guy who tries to understand these things and so desperately wants to do the right thing--you girls are spot on! Thanks for the simple, direct, and practical tips. I read all your blogs and once again you've nailed it. Thanks from me (and my wife too!).

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  • 2. Posted by frogkickfrolic on Sat, Feb 07, 2009, 4:01 pm PST

    Lol, if your relationship is stable and you're in love there is no reason to avoid the "ring talk." Puh-lease. Creating t-shirts? Uh... tacky. Mix CDs? Who listens to CDs anymore? Pizza and wine? Classy!

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  • 3. Posted by meganrvanhorn2006 on Wed, Feb 11, 2009, 10:02 am PST

    i love this. I totally agree with all of these things. Frogkickfrolic is right, if you have been together long enough the ring talk is ok but if youve been together id say less than a year hold off.

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  • 4. Posted by "ME" on Wed, Feb 11, 2009, 10:13 am PST

    Here's the thing. If you really love a person and know that person well, you should automatically know what to get that person without having to play the guessing game. So, speak to his or her heart. Maybe you notice that your loved one is working really hard lately and needs a pampering break, line up a spa day for her. Maybe your loved one is wanting to learn to cook a gourmet meal, get them a certificate to a cooking academy for a session of classes. Think outside the box is what the article is saying! If you love the person and know the person well enough, it should be really simple to know what to get that person.

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  • 5. Posted by jeanie on Wed, Feb 11, 2009, 10:15 am PST

    My fav V-Day gift? A box of Esther Price chocolates, along with a nice dinner (in or out, as long as he can cook lol) and a romantic evening after (in or out) with a little wine and togetherness. Watching Looney Tunes on the tube is also great, but hard to find. Forget the roses, they cost too much for as long as they last and more memories can be made in other ways.

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  • 6. Posted by jeff m on Wed, Feb 11, 2009, 10:18 am PST

    I don't think women want laundry detergent for valentine's day.

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  • 7. Posted by Spanish eyes on Wed, Feb 11, 2009, 10:18 am PST

    Women need to stop expecting expensive, "shiny things" anyway. It's just so cliche and 1950s. Ladies, if you want a pretty piece of jewelry, buy it yourself. I don't expect my husband to buy me things I want. Jeez, I have a job.

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  • 8. Posted by Jess on Wed, Feb 11, 2009, 10:22 am PST

    I would hate any of those gifts that you suggested. Lingerie with laundry soap?! That's pretty much saying wear this sexy underwear for me then you can do the wash. Not just women do laundry these days and I always wear sexy lingerie because I want to not because my man wants me to, but he still enjoys it. Staying in sounds good but I wouldn't order pizza, that's probably the least romantic food ever.

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  • 9. Posted by classysportylady on Wed, Feb 11, 2009, 10:23 am PST

    Way OFF on the mark. We DO want Roses, We Do also think you took the extra effort if you give us chocolates as well. How often do we get satin...seldom....I would love to receive it. The "bling thing"...there is a lot of inexpensive jewelry out there...K-Mart and Wal-Mart tend to have good specials for this occasion. Don't ever give me a book! I am not talking big budget items here either. If you just take your loved one out to eat, and that is not your norm---even McDonalds---you've done something special. Remember the Dollar Stores right now. Tacky is correct about the T-shirts. Just because these gals wrote this article does Not make them authorities. Making sure you are extra attentive to your loved one is the most important thing of the day. There are "cheap" movie theaters to go to or rent a DVD and make a special meal for the other one, or help making that meal if you are not the one who does the cooking normally....go all out...you even make it. Happy Valentines Day.

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  • 10. Posted by mydvotion on Wed, Feb 11, 2009, 10:27 am PST

    There's nothing wrong with staying in or going out. but honesty is always the best policy and it really depends on your man and how well you know him.. You can dress it up or down and the ring talk varies.. We can't always go by what Shine says....Come on dress it up how you like.. Sometimes love day can be overrated or it can be a day that youre bedazzled you when its been months. I love anything that is pure thought.. Time spent or atleast the thought..

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  • 11. Posted by mydvotion on Wed, Feb 11, 2009, 10:30 am PST

    That's pretty sad if you have to buy your own jewelry. I mean everyone deserves to spoil themselves and it shows much independance when you can. But what fun is it if you can't be spoiled by your partner.. Where's the giddyness or excitement. 50's or today.. if i was bought a nice ring or necklace i would flaunt that s*h}t and be thankful. Sometimes I feel so appreciated when i see my other wear the things that i buy him.. because he likes and appreciates it.. that is a type of spoiling for me too.

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  • 12. Posted by keithboudro on Wed, Feb 11, 2009, 10:48 am PST

    Shes broke you better run or you will be in debt 4 ever.

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  • 13. Posted by Shunte G on Wed, Feb 11, 2009, 10:49 am PST

    OMG you guys they are just SUGGESTIONS....do with them what you please.

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  • 14. Posted by harleygirl_20 on Wed, Feb 11, 2009, 11:00 am PST

    These are all okay ideas, some pretty creative. I just can't stand how cliche the holiday is now. It's as bad as any other hoiday anymore. Not to mention the pressure to cram so much romance into one day! My husband and I don't really even do Valentine's Day anymore...We just love eachother and love to be able to spend time with eachother no matter what day it is. Let alone trying to follow the herds of people trying to go out to dinner, buying gifts, and the expectations of the perfect evening. No thanks!

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  • 15. Posted by John W on Wed, Feb 11, 2009, 11:03 am PST

    The best gift is the one that shows you understand your partner. If they love flowers, that's the best gift. If they love books, that's the best gift. I understand that if everyone thought this way you'd be out of a job; but it'd be nice if people realized that it is much more romantic to give a gift on a random Wednesday than on a specific day created because people don't think that way.

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  • 16. Posted by john on Wed, Feb 11, 2009, 11:14 am PST

    Laundry detergent???? You might as well buy a mop and bucket for her to seal your spot on the couch.

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  • 17. Posted by joebarraza6 on Wed, Feb 11, 2009, 11:33 am PST

    thats is good but i was jus goin to take her to the lake for sum ice cream n picnic....anybody has a better idea

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  • 18. Posted by Stephanie on Wed, Feb 11, 2009, 11:47 am PST

    I think gifts are completely unnecessary for Valentine's Day. Just do something that both of you will have fun doing together- if you are already in a relationship with the person, this should be a no-brainer, because presumably, you already have common interests! Then have whatever dinner you will both enjoy, and have lots of sex. Done. If it's someone you don't know well, there is NOTHING wrong with sticking to the old cliche romantic dinner and red roses. She shouldn't be expecting something more personal than that if it's only the first or second date.

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  • 19. Posted by montereydiva on Wed, Feb 11, 2009, 12:11 pm PST

    Get chocolate and roses, don't get chocolate and roses. Geez, everybody is different. Don't be friggin out cause of what someone else likes. Learn your particular valentine and lay off other peoples ideas and individuality.

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  • 20. Posted by ptm92881 on Wed, Feb 11, 2009, 12:02 pm PST

    Last time I bought a girl lingerie for Valentines Day, she got upset. She told me that the only way I would see it on anyone was if I wore it. I took it back to the store and asked out the lingerie sales girl. She and I dated for a year. :)

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  • 21. Posted by Julie on Wed, Feb 11, 2009, 12:27 pm PST

    Its true girls like creative things. I wouldnt want to get a t-shirt, just like all the other girls did. Chocolate, roses, dinner is nice too. I wouldnt want my boyfriend or husband to spend so much money on roses or chocolate. But he could make dinner, like the other girls said. But a gift that I would really want is like a frame with pictures. More like a collage or a photo album of me and him. I think that would be really creative and OUTSIDE of the box. Atleast he would take some time out in making something. But every girl is different some have high expectations and some dont mind much. If your going out with a girl, then you should know her personality and her likes and dislikes. I wouldnt take much advice from these two authors or whoever they are. I know that some of my girl friends would hate getting a book or a t-shirt.

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  • 22. Posted by kdogg005 on Wed, Feb 11, 2009, 12:03 pm PST

    Actually I think the roses and chocolates are a good "hit" when it comes to the first couple of Valentine's days. Im in my first serious relationship and I wouldnt mind some of these for our first few Valentines together. I agree that if you've been with someone a long time then you should change it up but nothing is wrong with some sexy lingerie or some good ol' fashioned Roses/Chocolates/Wine combo.

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  • 23. Posted by hershel b on Wed, Feb 11, 2009, 12:27 pm PST

    I have never seen a Gal that didn't love flowers.If they don't to hell with them, find you a Gal who does.Mine loves flowers on Valenstine Day and nice jewelry at Christmas and our anniversary.Now before I come on as a know it all,I've had my Gal 46 years and she says she'd rather get what she wanted rather than be surprized

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  • 24. Posted by Wesley's Mama on Wed, Feb 11, 2009, 12:29 pm PST

    Find a drive-in movie. Very nice under the stars.

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  • 25. Posted by Paige on Wed, Feb 11, 2009, 12:38 pm PST

    i have to say.. wrong on soooo many levels. i under stand the whole economic crisis thing, but a cheesy shirt or computer paper with pictures i already have in my camera, i dont think so. i would be pissed if my boyfriend got me any of those things. it doesnt say sweet, it says CHEAP! to make your girlfriend happy substitute the two pack of beers of the two cartons of cigarettes and by your girl something to wow her and make her want to run to her friends to show it off =)

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  • 26. Posted by Jay Dee Starr on Wed, Feb 11, 2009, 12:43 pm PST

    ok several of you make wonderful points my sweety and I don't put the pressure on for any holiday regardless of what it is the economy is just tooo tight to worry about spending loads of money especially on overpriced roses and flowers or high calorie goodies that'll last at most 2 to 5 days..... jewelry is kinda person to person so far my honey has only purchased me one ring and it was the one that mattered to me for now and that was the engagement ring i'm just not a big bling gal and where i work i can't wear it so what's the point, for me i just enjoy every day that i get to spend doing something with my valentine even if it's going to watch his daughters b-games or swim meets we are together... it's the little things that count and you will learn what your sweety likes and don't like and with time be able to find just the right touch when in doubt go with your heart and make it sincere.... oh and classysporty lady and frogkickfrolic ummmm can you say SPOILED your guy better be mega rich cause by the time you hit milestone anniversaries you'll be dumping him for someone else with money cause he'll be broke... honestly romance and love doesn't come with $$$$ attached and if you feel they do you need to be prepared for loneliness cause your looks will only get you so far and once they're gone the rich beaus will be too

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  • 27. Posted by ChopChop on Wed, Feb 11, 2009, 1:09 pm PST

    Just wondering why none of these women are mentioning what they plan to do for their partner. Typical, selfish and materialistic.

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  • 28. Posted by parvati48 on Wed, Feb 11, 2009, 2:01 pm PST

    Hey ChopChop, I totally agree with you. Valentine's day isn't just for the man to do something for his woman, us girls need to do something for our hunnys too. I'm buying some flavored warming massage lube and wearing some cute panties and bra for my man for the evening fun time, I'm going to buy him a nice gift that he'll love cuz I know what my man wants. Such as last year, I bought him a dragon necklace cuz he loves dragons and he now wears it every day. Roses and chocolate are nice for Valentine's day, as are cards, girls like those things but they aren't always necessary. There are plenty of alternatives to take to make your Valentine's Day special, and they don't all consist of spending alot of money.

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  • 29. Posted by JLOO on Wed, Feb 11, 2009, 2:10 pm PST

    Two words: Boudoir Photography

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  • 30. Posted by maryannbliss on Wed, Feb 11, 2009, 1:52 pm PST

    So frickin' Lame! C'mon...women have to be sensitive and caring all the time to everyone or they are considered to be demons. I get so sick of hearing men complain about "having to figure it out" and "having to show they care" on this one day. They SHOULD do something very special to make up for getting through life by just being men. Getting fed and cleaned up after and/or getting laid in front of the TV another night sure ain't it. And buying lingerie to circus up the sex for them ain't it either. And a freakin' book?! I'd book if my guy could not pull his head out of his ass for one day and think about how to imitate the sensitvity and caring expected of women everyday from them, kids and family. EVOLVE for chrissakes! Make your woman glad she bothers with the whole relationship nonsense.

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