VDAY Tips... From a dude.

Every February, guys begin to panic. “What are we doing for Valentine’s Day,” becomes your girlfriend’s favorite question, and “ughhhhhhh, I don’t know,” becomes your new favorite response. But see, it does not have to be this way. Imagine your girlfriend asking you that question and you can give her a legitimate answer?

That is why I am here, to help my fellow bros out.

I am currently in a four-year relationship, so this February 14th (tip number one, know the date) will be my fifth Valentine’s Day – so yeah, it’s safe to say I am a pro. So here they are – 7 Valentine’s Day tips to help you own the day.

Flowers – To me, flowers are a must. They take absolutely no thought, and I have never seen a girl get upset about receiving flowers. Obviously you’re going to want to avoid the 7/11 flowers, and the ones from the random dude on the corner. If you contact a florist the day of, you can get a nice little arrangement with a vase for around $40. If that is too expensive, many places also sell single roses. Pro tip – most girls love roses. Flowers will put a smile on your girlfriend’s face, I guarantee it.

Dinner – Girls love food, plain and simple. If the flowers didn’t do it, dinner will. Now, you can approach this from how you feel necessary. Some guys like to make dinner, and I am sure this would thrill any girl; however, if you are like me and struggle with boiling water, I suggest you take her out. Make sure you both discuss the place, as dinner surprises are not always the best. My girlfriend is a picky eater and she has to examine every menu to every place we go to beforehand. Also, the man always pays on Valentine’s day, no excuses fellas.

Start a Tradition – This one is more long term, but the earlier you start, the better. For instance, my girlfriend and I always go out to an Italian Restaurant for Valentine’s Day. We go to a different restaurant every year, and since we both love Italian food, it has turned into a tradition. Other ideas would maybe watch a certain movie every year, or always visit a place that has a certain meaning tied to the relationship. Anything that will bring the relationship back to its roots and remember why you two are together in the first place.

Plan Early – This was always my biggest issue early on. That restaurant that you guys wanted to go to? Yeah, there no longer taking reservations. Your favorite band playing Valentine’s Day night? Too bad all the tickets are sold out. Do not ruin the day over something that could have easily been avoided. Stop being lazy and just get the annoying parts out the way.

Be Thoughtful When Giving a Gift – I am not a believer in Valentine’s Day gifts, but I know that many would disagree with me. With Valentine’s Day following Christmas, I see no point in buying or receiving an expensive gift. In my opinion, Valentine’s Day gifts are more about the thought than the money. I’ll never forget the year that my girlfriend surprised me with a deck of cards that were transformed into a little book, and on every card there was a special little message that described something she loves about me. It was the cutest thing, and I still have it to this day. It maybe cost her $5 to make, but it meant just as much as any gift she has ever given me.

Be Spontaneous – It’s Valentine’s Day and the movie you and your girlfriend plan to see does not start until 6:30. “Hey babe, you want to go for a walk in the park before the movie?” Caught up in the spirt of the day, who would say no? Again, this can cost no money at all, but could have a major impact on the day. The more random the better. Walk around Barnes and Nobel looking for books, shooting hoops at a local court, or visiting one of her relatives for a quick hello. There are so many little things you could do to fill in the gaps between dinner and other things you have planned.

No Fighting – Valentine’s Day is a celebration of your love, don’t let a fight ruin that. Early in the day, make a deal with your significant other – no fighting. If you are both on the same page, things should go way smoother. All bad vibes must be thrown out the window, and both the man and woman have to work together for the day to go as planned. Let’s be honest here, dinner can’t come soon enough, and you find yourself getting short. Frustration is building as your girlfriend still isn’t ready with only 30 minutes to make your reservation on time. These are the times where you have to remember your agreement, and relax and let her do her thing.

Think about these tips before the big day and I promise you that you will have the best Valentine’s Day that you have ever had.

Written by Robert Frascati Wheelhouse Sports