So, it was Valentine’s day this week, one of those days of the year that we both love and hate. As far as I noticed, it seemed to have topped just about everyone’s stress meters. No matter how prepared you are for it, it does always seem to creep up on little ol’ unsuspecting you.
Well, honestly I think guys stress far too much about what to get us girls. Not everyone needs that ultimately planned out day, where you know what you’re going to do down to the last minute. Now don’t take that as license to wait until the last minute, but personally I prefer the more laid back approach to a romantic evening.
More than anything, most of the time girls just want a day with their boyfriend. Something sweet, but nothing overly teeth-rottening.
One of my best friends actually has a pretty hilarious idea of a perfect Valentine’s day. All she wants is two Domino’s heart-shaped medium pizzas, a sappy rom-dram (romantic drama, not my personal thing, but she’s pretty sappy herself) and a gallon of hot chocolate.
For me, that might be pushing the nonchalance. And pizza with cocoa sounds terrible.
Personally, I think that the sweetest thing a guy could do for Valentine’s day would be to cook me dinner. This has yet to fail actually (most girls are suckers for a guy who can cook). It’s really easy to find a simple tasty recipe online to make, and most even have foolproof directions on how to cook them.
I know that a lot of guys think they can’t cook at all, but try.
Even if it’s a disaster the fact that you tried will be appreciated. Just make sure to have a back-up plan. Now if you don’t know how to cook (and are really afraid to try), a nice dinner is always well accepted. It doesn’t need to be really expensive either.
Just the forethought means more than the actual amount you spend on it. I’m not a huge one for crowds, so I would recommend a smaller, more secluded or less crowded restaurant. Most girls would agree with this, too.
As far as presents go, I’d say go for something more personal than chocolates and flowers.
Not that chocolates and flowers aren’t amazing to get, but put some thought into them. At least know that she loves that particular type of flower or candy. Again with presents, it’s really the thought that counts.
Even if the present is really cheap, but you know your girlfriend will love it, then it’s okay. Personally I always liked the random gifts more than the expected ones. You know, the ones that are completely unromantic, but you’ve really wanted for a while. I know my sister did this for her boyfriend for Valentine’s. She got him Dead Space 2, which is not at all romantic, but he loved it. So this definitely works with both guys and girls.
I don’t really have a ton of love for this holiday. Mostly because people go a little crazy about it. Everyone tries to be as romantic as possible and make it a perfect day.
But the big romantic gestures have always seemed a little sappy and ridiculous to me. Honestly they always come off as incredibly hokey and forced.
Guys, you should definitely be much more imaginative than most of the cliches; trust me, not every girl wants diamonds and a giant teddy bear. Though for some girls it’s perfect, to a lot of girls the whole cliched romanticism seems like you didn’t try because it doesn’t reflect your relationship.
Though, I will say that sometimes they do work. Guys, play to your strength because despite being sappy as hell, having your boyfriend sing to you with a guitar is incredibly adorable, if embarrassing.
