The top 10 hints to drop before Valentine’s Day to make sure you celebrate in style
by
Jacqueline
January 25, 2008
Not that I’m one to make sweeping statements or anything, but it has been documented in the course of human history that some guys (they shall remain nameless) can see 25 TV commercials, drive by a dozen billboards, look at a calendar and still have absolutely no idea that Thursday February 14 is VALENTINE’S DAY. Hello!
Or they realize it on Feb. 13 and give you a deer-in-the-headlights look before bleating: “Guess we should make a dinner reservation somewhere, right?” Need I say that “we” does not mean he?
It’s just a fact of life that some men may need to be reminded that a day dedicated to romance is right around the corner. With that in mind, I offer these top 10 hints to drop before Valentine’s Day to make sure your man remembers and that you celebrate in style.
10. Figure out your focus. Will a bouquet of divine red roses make your day? Is this an anniversary year that you’d like to mark in a special way? Are you hankering after reservations at a buzzed-about restaurant? Pick your goal and then plan your strategy.
9. Remember that men are visual. If you regularly make a honey-do list or a grocery list, take a piece of paper and snip out a heart-shaped version for the next few weeks. Fold the paper in half before you cut so your heart will be symmetrical.
8. Wear red. A red turtleneck, red lipstick or red nail polish will be a subtle signal that you’re a passionate gal and that you’re looking forward to being with him on Valentine’s. And it’s a good excuse to treat yourself to a mani-pedi. That way, too, your nails will look great if he splurges on a rock.
7. Play vintage tunes, like the inimitable Sam Cooke’s “Cupid.” (With all the bio-pix around these days, I’d like to know when Hollywood is gonna tell Sam’s story.) Other picks: Ella Fitzgerald’s version of “My Funny Valentine” and anything by Sinatra or Dean Martin.
6. Rent romantic movies. “When Harry Met Sally,” “Four Weddings and a Funeral,” “The Apartment” or “The English Patient” are tried and true. Or get more to the point with 1953’s “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes,” in which Marilyn Monroe dazzles as she sings “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend.” After that song, turn to him and say with a wink: “Marilyn was really prophetic, don’t you think?” or “Marilyn was way smarter than people give her credit for. Way smarter.”
5. Quote the numbers. Mention that $16.9 billion was spent on gifts and flowers last Valentine’s Day, according to Martha Stewart Living magazine. In 2006, there were 189 million roses grown to meet demand. The fact that you’ll settle for a few dozen red roses will seem like a bargain.
4. Use one bloom as an example. Put a single flower – a pink carnation or a daisy would be good – in the bathroom or near his laptop. Flowers are excellent mood enhancers so, with a little luck, a bouquet will be forthcoming.
3. Feed him. At meal times, put out a little bowl of cinnamon red-hots and some chocolate hearts as if these were everyday condiments. As you eat, tell him that while the principles of portion-control pertain to food, they have no application whatsoever to buying flowers, clothes or jewelry. None whatsoever.
2. Feed him more. A week before Valentine’s Day, give him a cookie or cupcake that says “Be Mine.” Nothing wrong with making the first move. But keep it simple or he’ll think you’ve already celebrated.
1. Be up front. Understand that hints can work, but, for sure success, tell him what you want. He’ll never be able to read your mind so lest you risk disappointment, just lay it on the line and say something like: “Btw, I really want roses/orchids/tulips/whatever this year. And of course I’d like to know: what would you like, darling?”
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