How to Win Valentines Day

February 04, 2019

“It’s the thought that counts” is something we are told when looking for any gift no matter the holiday. Such a beloved statement could not ring more true than on the most romantic of holidays.  This year, with that motto in mind, winning Valentine’s Day will be (an enjoyable) cake walk.

Has your partner ever mentioned their favorite dish from that one restaurant they went to years ago but still makes them smile from ear to ear when gushing about it? Go on line, find that recipe or something similar to it and put your kitchen to good use. You may not be the most lauded chef, but it’s the thought that counts and your partner will realize that. To make sure its a hit, a pint of their favorite ice cream flavor won’t hurt either.

Time spent with your partner usually includes two other entities, your phone and theirs. Schedule time with your partner on Valentine’s day without phones. Leave those third and fourth wheels at home and go for a hike. For those of us less active members of society, turn the phones off and watch their favorite movie. Get competitive, in a fun way, and let them teach you their favorite board or card game. An entire evening without phones can be just as exciting as scrolling through an entire day’s Instagram feed, I promise.

What are the chores that your partner takes responsibility for? For an entire week take those off their plate and get them done yourself. Do the dishes, the laundry, walk the dog before they wake up, or grab the groceries all on your own...along with a few extra items you know they love.

If you are looking for a gift that has that certain wow-factor only associated with a big ticket price, look to experiences that can be gifted day-of and then enjoyed for weeks to come. Perhaps tickets to a concert that you can both look forward to and plan an entire evening around. Or a new weekend bag to be used on an upcoming getaway with all the details being taken care of yourself. Think about every details and square it away before they can even ask.

Looking for something tangible? A bauble is only as important as the meaning behind it. Make sure whatever it is is their style and not yours. Better yet, ask a close friend or family member for help - the effort you put into finding the perfect item is just as if not more important than the gift itself. Anything you get, wrap yourself as well. That little added effort will go a long way.

Valentine’s Day itself can get a bit hectic so be sure to make any reservations or plans ahead of time. Don’t try to get into the fanciest restaurant in town if that is not your partner’s style. If it is, call now…like right now! The art of not overdoing it is also an overlooked trait. If your partner prefers the grandest of gestures, make sure this year’s gesture is stress free. No need to sit in traffic for 45 minutes just to get to that fanciest of restaurants. If your partner has an already busy life, look for something that fits into it with ease. Any plans should be uncomplicated and enjoyable for both of you.

Most importantly, show your partner that you have listened and are listening to them. A gift that recalls to something they have mentioned in the past or talk about often will undoubtedly win them over. You get all the relationship points when showing them just how much their preferences are remembered by you. Not that a relationship is about winning, but a few extra points here and there never hurt. And how easy it is to rack up those points just by putting a little thought into it.

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