Eight Things to Avoid on Valentine's Day

I like Valentine's Day, but over the years, I have noticed some over-the-top and/or irritating things that other people do on this day for lovers. Here are eight things you should avoid doing this (or any) Valentine's Day. If you have done any of these, don't take the list personally. I wrote it in jest.

1. Scheduling a Blind Date. Dating is hard enough as it is, so don't make it harder by committing yourself to a blind date. The last thing you want to do on a day set aside for people in love is to go on a potentially, or likely, awkward date.

If you're a brave (and dare I say, crazy?) soul and you do decide to go on a blind date, make sure you meet at the venue instead of getting picked up by your date (so you're not stuck riding in a car with the person) and set up an "escape call" as a way to back out. Shown successfully on an episode of "Frasier," the escape call is a call you set up previously with a friend or family member. You tell them the time to call and you create a credible story for why you have to leave. Once you receive the call, you simply explain the dire situation of which you've just been informed, and voila! An instant escape plan.

2. Breaking up with Someone

Someone did this to me on Valentine's Day when I was in 7^th grade, and it even hurt then, when relationships last all of seven hours. If you're tired of your significant other, have the decency to break up with him/her before Valentine's Day and before s/he could have spent away the life's savings on some hokey gift for your dumb ass.

3. Booking a first date to the White Castle

Now, if you've been in a relationship for awhile, a Valentine's date to the White Castle can be a fun and inexpensive trip. They even take reservations (for more on that, check out their website). However, it may not be the most impressive location for a first date. I'm not saying you need to spend a lot of money to impress someone, but up the ante a little higher than box of sliders - even a simple home-cooked meal will do the trick.

4. Proposing Marriage

Sure it's romantic, but it's also beyond clichéd. Why not just add in the JumboTron at a sporting event while you're at it. Sure, your significant other may say "yes," but it takes away some of the excitement. So many people propose on Valentine's Day, so why not plan something more unique and unexpected for your sweetheart?

5. Forgetting it's Valentine's Day

If your dearest love will get upset with you, don't forget that it's Valentine's Day. If you are the type who is likely to forget, buy gifts and set up dinner reservations well in advance. Even if your gift has a short shelf life, e.g., flowers, you can go online weeks ahead to set up a reservation and delivery. The flowers will get there on time, and you can pat yourself on the back.

6. Buying an ill-fitting gift

I'm not talking about buying someone the wrong size in a sweater. What I am saying is, don't buy your significant other something s/he hates. For example, I had a friend long ago who bought me a variety pack of smelly perfumes. I don't wear perfume; in fact, it gives me a headache. Now, this person had known me for many years, and every time she put on some kind of body spray and asked me if I wanted some, I always reminded her that I couldn't take the smell. If she had paid attention to this, she wouldn't have wasted her money on a gift that I couldn't use.

Moral of the story? Pay attention to what your significant other likes and wants. Don't assume you have to spend a lot of money to make him/her happy. Think about sentimental, romantic, and fun gifts. For example, you could frame the program and tickets from a play you saw together or put together a playlist of all his/her favorite songs.

7. Celebrating out of Obligation

Let's face it. Much of the hubbub surrounding Valentine's Day is about buying gifts, dressing up for a fancy dinner, spending money, even shaving your legs. If you and your significant other are a solid couple who just doesn't enjoy this sort of holiday, skip it. You have plenty of holidays, birthdays, and personal days left in the year to celebrate.

8. Raining on the Parade

If you're single and you hate Valentine's Day because you're single, that's fine. However, is there really a need to scowl at all of the people who are happy on Valentine's Day? Don't be a bitter solo act. Besides, if you waste your time scowling and moping, you'll probably miss your chance at finding "the one" for you.

Happy Valentine's Day!