How to Impress Your Girlfriend on Valentine's Day

Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's have come and gone. Valentine's Day is just around the corner and it's something that most guys become nervous about. Valentine's Day is one of those special days that a guy can show appreciation for his girlfriend without feeling "whipped."

Did you know that Valentine's Day is right behind Christmas in greeting card sales? There are around one billion Valentine's Day cards sent every year (a staggering 85% are sent by women). That means that guys really need to get head in the game this year because I doubt that most men are simply making their own Valentine's Day cards.

Valentine's Day is a very important holiday for girls. I doubt that most guys care much about it, but for us girls it is a time for proving your feelings and devotion to us. The standard gift is a Russell Stover heart-shaped box of candy and some flowers with a card purchased from the store (that isn't even signed - if you are my husband). While that is perfectly acceptable and will get you some smiles, hugs, and maybe some lovin', it will not wow her.

You don't want your girlfriend's gal pal to ask what you got her and for her to sigh and say, "Oh, you know...flowers, candy, and a card."

No, no, no. You want her to gush about what you gave her and how you treated her. You want her to remember this Valentine's Day for years to come. With a little planning you can make that happen. You can impress her beyond her wildest dreams and ensure that she will not forget such a special day. And since Valentine's Day only comes around once a year, it is okay if it takes you some time and preparation. Remember, this is about her, not you.

Tip 1: If I could ever beat one thing into a man's head, I would say that women love surprises. Okay, so there are some that don't (where did they come from?), but every girl I know loves to be surprised. Don't tell her what you have planned. In fact, don't tell her anything at all. It's in your best interest to pretend that you have totally forgotten about Valentine's Day. If she brings it up, say, "Oh yeah, I forgot it was so close," and change the subject.

Tip 2: Skip the Russell Stover, please. Those cute heart boxes just aren't cute enough to make up for the atrocious variety of chocolate on the inside. From a box of 20, she may get one or two that she can manage to eat. Instead, go to a specialty chocolate shop and get her a small quantity of gourmet chocolates. They often have chocolate shops in malls, so check there first. You may pay $20 for a few chocolates in a pretty box, but it's worth it for her to be able to actually eat them, isn't it? Target actually sells some nice chocolates that come in hip boxes, too.

Tip 3: Don't spend a ton of money on flowers. We all like receiving flowers, but they shouldn't be the center of the gift. Buy a few roses and spend the majority of your money on something that will last.

Tip 4: Stuffed animals are so over. How many times have I received a teddy bear, stuffed dog, or some Ugly Something that I can't identify? I can't even tell you. While girls in high school may be impressed with Mr. Scruffy, please save it if you are dating someone over the age of 18 and/or are married. Grown women don't need the animal. Beds are crowded enough without having some fake dog that is a breeding ground for dust mites. So, if you want to give her something to snuggle up to, try giving her a hoodie of yours instead. She will appreciate that much more than some imitation ball of fluff.

Tip 5: Don't buy a ring if you aren't going to propose. What a tease! A ring that isn't going on the left hand? You will disappoint her with a beautiful ring if it isn't meant for marriage. Women often expect proposals on Valentine's Day, so it's best just to skip rings if you aren't planning that. If you are going to get jewelry, make sure you know what tone of gold she likes and what her sizes are. Just because you like that yellow or white tone of gold, it doesn't mean that she will. She would probably like whatever you got her anyway, but if you want to seem attentive and like a good listener you will pay attention to her likes and dislikes.

Tip 6: Don't buy her lingerie! Unless she is a sexual freak, please don't buy her lingerie. That will turn the holiday around to seem more about you. And it isn't. It's all about the women. If you don't believe me, then perhaps I should get you a stuffed dog.

Tip 7: Get in the kitchen and make her something! Bake her heart-shaped cookies, cook up a nice dinner, or heck...microwave that Lean Cuisine for her and pretend that you made it from scratch. She'll be impressed that you thought of her stomach and even more impressed that you took the time.

Tip 8: Make your own Valentine's Day card. Hallmark cards almost always find their way to the trash. It's just useless to keep so many cards around that were created by someone else and simply signed by your significant other. However, if you make something it will be truly special to her. Write a sweet poem inside about how much she completes you. And for goodness sake, sign the darn thing!