Romantic Date Ideas: 6 Big Mistakes That Could Put You In The Valentine’s Day Penalty Box
If you want romance, connection, and closeness on this most romantic day, listen up! Valentine’s Day is the day of the most important date of the year. And that’s not just Hallmark talking. Your sweetheart thinks so too. You want to score points and stay out of the penalty area. So play hard and fair, and stay away from the big 6 mistakes. They include 1) not planning until the last minute, 2) choosing a gift that sends the wrong message, 3) buying the wrong clothing size, and 4) missing out on true intimacy.
1. Completely forgetting this special date
Have you been living in a barrel? Are you oblivious to all the hearts and red signs in the shop windows? Ohhh, forgetting this romantic day is going to cost you. But that is another topic.
2. Not planning until the last moment
You can get restaurant reservations only at Taco Bell. The flower shop has been ransacked. Valentine cards look shoddy and bent. Take heart. All is not lost because you’re cooking, buying artificial flower arrangements and making cards, and then making it look like that’s what you had in mind all along. (I lied about the fake flowers. Don’t buy those unless she loves them and doesn’t mind living with them.)
3. Choosing a gift that sends the wrong message
Giving her Tigress perfume and Victoria’s Secret lingerie sends the message that you want her to be sexy or sexier. If she’s a soap and socks type of girl, you’re wrong. But new socks and pajamas in her favorite colors can be an appreciated gift idea for Valentine’s Day, showing that you’re paying attention to her uniqueness. (You know her favorite colors, don’t you?)
On the other hand, if she likes perfume, there are inexpensive brands with “messages” that might win you over, such as Goddess and Sensational. Perfume counters often have test bottles. Buy the fragrance you like, spray a piece of paper with the tester, and wrap them together. If you smell paper and don’t like it, go shopping together for another brand.
4. Buying clothes that are too big
If you want to split up, get him a tarp from Omar the Tent Maker. If you are unsure of your size, go small. If you can afford it, buy 2 or 3 sizes of the same item. Gift wrap the smallest size and store the others in the closet.
5. Drinking too much
Today is not the day to get drunk. Go at your pace. Eat enough food to absorb the alcohol. Above all, if you want to avoid the penalty bench, don’t urinate on the carpet.
6. Missing the opportunity for true intimacy
Forget having an ordinary conversation on an extraordinary date day. Make this romantic date all about connecting, getting to know your date better, and getting closer. How can you make that happen? A special day deserves special conversation starters. I promise you, no matter how long you’ve been together, there’s uncharted territory. You can find hundreds of conversation questions online, and for now, here’s a nice talking point you can play around with:
Modesty aside, what are you good at? It could be anything from changing light bulbs in high places to making daisies from scratching to tying knots. Name at least 3 things you are good at. And then I’ll tell you 3 more.
Continue, taking turns back and forth, making the list longer and longer. I suggest that you think about your answers in advance so that you can create a very long list. When you run out of ideas, keep adding them. This free gift idea for Valentine’s Day could be the highlight of his date with you!