5 Romantic Valentine's Day Ideas for Your Wife

"Chocolate on Valentine's Day again . . . how thoughtful." Not! If you really want to wow your wife on Valentine's Day this year, think outside the candy box. These five sure-fire wife pleasers will remind her why she said "I do" in the first place.

Romantic Valentine's Day Idea for Wives #1: Restaurant readiness-No matter if you take your wife to a swank steak house or Shoney's for Valentine's Day, do some advance work. Earlier in the day, hand deliver a beautiful bouquet of flowers to the restaurant with a romantic card in which you have written a personal message-and, no, "Luv ya, Babe" doesn't count. Ask the manager or hostess to set the table before your arrival with your custom "extra-mile" centerpiece.

Romantic Valentine's Day Idea for Wives #2: Flower power-If you think roses for Valentine's Day are romantic, think again. Giving your wife a bouquet of roses on Valentine's Day is as original as giving her your favorite lingerie from Victoria's Secret. If your wife loves to receive flowers, be sure to create a bouquet that contains her favorite varieties and colors. Just knowing that you've made mental note of her preferences will make her feel special, not like just another wife.

Romantic Valentine's Day Idea for Wives #3: Write her a poem or song-Sure, it's easier to whip out your credit card and buy your wife a gift for Valentine's Day, but the most romantic gift you can give her is priceless. Write a poem or song about your wife, and then recite or sing it to her on Valentine's Day night. A caveat if you can't sing well: have a friend croon the tune and record it for you.

Romantic Valentine's Day Idea for Wives #4: Cook her dinner-If you're usually Emeril in the kitchen, this idea is not that romantic. But if your reputation is that of being a mean egg boiler, your wife will be touched by your Herculean Valentine's Day effort. Ask a friend to provide you with a few simple, but elegant, recipes-or try this all red Valentine's Day dinner. Don't forget the little niceties, like candles, real plates and insisting on washing the dishes.

Romantic Valentine's Day Idea for Wives #5: Re-enact your first date-If you still live in the same locale where you and your wife had your first date, take her to the same restaurant and pretend you're meeting her for the first time. Ask her questions about herself, and appear interested in her answers. This re-awakening of "falling in love" feelings could actually stimulate your wife's production of so-called love chemicals, such as dopamine and norepinephrine. And really, what could be better than a wife with a fluttering heart on Valentine's Day?

See also:
Five Top Chivalry Tips for Valentine's Day

Sources:
Personal experience
Lee Ann Obringer, "How Love Works," HowStuffWorks.com