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Valentine’s Day is either the much-anticipated hot date of the year for the coupled-up or the much loathed and dreaded day by the single-dom. Valentine’s Day is a signal and reminder to the unattached that they are alone and not loved by a special someone. The men who are attached feel the pressure to step up their romance game or expect to hear about their lack of efforts for months on end, so to many it because a requirement rather than a genuine effort. Those that are entrapped in the non-exclusive relationships are filled with anxiety wondering if that new guy or gal or the one who has been around for a while will want to spend the designated day for lovers with them. Not to fret, despite your status there are plenty of ways to make your Valentine’s Day blissful.

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The Happily or Not-So-Happily Singles:

Don’t sit at home watching re-runs of romantic comedies with a tissue box pondering on why you are alone on this date. Get out of the house. Arrange a date with your girlfriends- go out for cocktails and check out that new anticipated movie “About Last Night”  starring scrumptuous Michael Ealy. For the gents and ladies attend a Valentine’s Day Party for singles or a concert. There are an abundance of them. Getting out on the scene ramps up the possibility of meeting a potential that you can spend V-Day with next year. It sure beats staying at home.

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The Not-Yet-Defined:

Keep it light. You do not have to reserve a four-course dinner reservation, send flowers and splurge on an expensive gift. If not quite sure your “not-yet-defined” lover or mate is exclusive to only you, then arrange a less formal evening the night before or after V-Day. Enjoy each other’s company over after-work cocktails, watch a movie or have a two to three star restaurant meal. This lets the person know that they are cared for and you are accepting of the no boundaries relationship that currently exists. Let your not-yet-exclusive mate keep their V-Day open. If you are lucky maybe the two of you will get to spend two evenings with each other. If the relationship is still new, how about arranging a group gathering. An eventful evening out dancing with other co-ed friends is sure to be a great time.

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The Attached:

Now fellas you have once a year to show your “A” game (okay maybe twice, there is anniversary too). If you are in love with your woman, why not make this day and/or night exceptional. Now I understand everyone has different budgets. But you can have a special evening without breaking your wallet. A home-cooked meal and a bottle of wine is always wonderful. Follow that with a gift-wrapped box of pleasures that are soothing to your eyes and soft on her skin is always a win-win for both parties. Woman love romantic comedies and really appreciate a man who is willing to accommodate and watch a movie with them. A night out dancing, his and her massages are also great idea, followed by a great meal.

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Don’t Forget The Men:

While Valentine’s Day is known to be geared to the ladies, men need to feel appreciated too. While I feel the guy should be making the dinner reservations, the woman needs to make her man feel special. Make sure you reciprocate the generosity.  Be prepared with a  small gift and card. A bottle of cologne is always great.

Depending on the tenure of your relationship, determines the type of gift. The staple is at least a card. Do not show up empty-handed. A Valentine’s Day card whether humorous, sappy, or in-between is an ultimate requirement. The flowers and gifts are optional, but the card is a must. Now if you have some relationship history, splurge on the roses. She deserves them.

Reflecting on my most memorable V-Day moments, they were always the simple and creative ones. A fancy dinner is wonderful, but a home-cooked dinner or a picnic at a park has always been my favorite.

V-Day Bliss for the Attached, Not-Yet-Defined and Single…Which Are You? How Will You Spend V-Day?