How to Fix Your Valentine's Day Screw-Up

So, once again, Valentine's Day came and went and as usual, you screwed up. You didn't buy any flowers, you didn't buy any candy, you didn't even remember that it was Valentine's Day. The problem? She did. She bought you a gift that she threw in the trash or destroyed or presented to you as her latest guilt-trip icon. Or perhaps she prepared an elaborate meal (elaborate may simply be mac n cheese if your girl can't cook). Or perhaps she just hoped that this time you would get it right and you blew it.

Don't wait another day. It's time to fix your Valentine's Day screw-up and rig it so that it doesn't break again. Just remember these mind-numbingly simple things.

Be honest about your screw-up. There are few things that ignite a crucible as well as a person who is wrong, knows they are wrong but refuses to admit they are wrong. Don't blame Valentine, don't blame the cherubs, don't blame the Conversation Hearts (even though they are nasty), don't blame the florist, Hershey or the establishment that propagates pseudo holidays. Keep in mind that declaring that "Valentine's Day is stupid anyway" is not an admission of fault. Be honest about your screw-up and communicate the fact that your feelings for your loved one are stronger than one day out of the year. Frankly, if this is just another in a string of mess-ups, your partner is unlikely to accept this UNLESS, you put step two into play.

Pick an alternative Valentine's Day. In fact, you can save yourself the hassle of EVER having to remember V-Day again by setting your own random day. For example, February 15^th rolls around and you realize that you forgot all about it. On February 20^th, or some such day, you surprise your loved one with flowers, candy and true romance. She won't know what hit her and you can act as if this was your plan all along. However, this will be all for naught if you fail to put the 'r' in romance. If you plan on doing the screw-up fixer half-way, don't even bother. If you really want women-scorned-fury -- well, you don't, so just leave it at that.

The name of the game is spontaneity. Surprise her, shock her, sweep her off her feet with something she loves but would never expect from you. Show her how well you know her. If she likes expensive things, go for broke. At the very least, anytime she complains you can always say, I spent $XX,XXX on you! If she likes some activity you hate, suck it up and do it for a little while. If you hope to get a Valentine's Day fix, you may have to endure a little pain.