Valentine's Day: Alternative Date Suggestions

Oh yes, Valentine's Day is slowly creeping towards us at full speed ahead. Stores make us aware of this festivus immediately following the new year, offering displays of bright, colorful hearts, candies and shelf upon shelf of cuddly concoctions to make any girl (or guy) feel absolutely loved. However, guys, I'm directing this one more towards you. While girls love going to 'favorite' locations, why not surprise your valentine this year with something new - something both of you will carry with you throughout the remainder of 2007?

Why not give up those expensive restaurant ideas where they require dressing up in the only clothes that make you look uncomfortable, but also feel absolutely uncomfortable? There is always the option of having a home-cooked meal in the privacy of your own home. After all, set up some music, candles and you and your Valentine can have the same romantic atmosphere that restaurants have, but also the privacy to dance close and not worry about others commenting on your behavior. Let's face it, a lot of people do cringe still at PDA's (And by those I mean public displays of affection) and find them completely unacceptable in the public's eye. So here you have the best of both worlds. The romantic candle-lit dinner that most people do for a stereotypical day, plus the privacy to enjoy each others company without a waiter or waitress popping in at the most unexpected moment asking if you desire anything else. Now you're thinking, "okay but you might have to serve the dinner yourself"... However, if you really want style have a hotplate over the already plated dinner so that it stays warm. This means that nobody has to get up and go dish up dinner and you can spend more time talking. You can even have the dessert plated already and have it sitting on a smaller table nearby for after the dinner. Sure, there's always the, "yeah but after someone has to do dishes.." but think about it. I've seen couples have entirely too much fun when doing household chores together and this most often includes doing the dishes. Why? Because you still get to spend time together after your dinner. That makes the cleanup well worth it, in my eyes.

Also consider this: you have to make reservations for the best restaurants and then pay a large amount of money for a dinner that may or may not be good. Sure, you feel that a restaurant is always excellent but even they have off nights. Plus, have you ever considered how expensive those meals are in consideration to the amount you get sometimes? Not everyone is made of money and people know this. It's also accepted and understood. If your date insists on going out and you paying in spite of lack of funding, then maybe you should reconsider that person as a valentine next year.

Not everyone has the benefit of decent outdoor weather in February, however, this option is excellent for those who can go outside and spend a few hours in rather nice weather. I'm talking above 60 degrees weather. So if you live in warmer climates listen up and pay close attention. Picnics are romantic. Everybody knows this. They're also a family thing too but if you can find a place on a nature trail or state park that has beautiful scenery you can settle on down and have a quiet, outdoorsy picnic. Who doesn't love this? The two of you can work together on making foods for it, packing the goodies and getting blankets together to sit on, along with any other goodies that you need or want to take with you. Bring a portable batter-operated cd player and you can even have some nice music. Heck, you could have beachside picnic too. Not that you'd set up the lunch on the sand, no, but there are always places off the beach to set up picnics at generally, especially if the beach is also a park. Then you have the best of both worlds. You can have a good picnic, have some fun in the sun and then at sunset have a lovely walk for two on the almost empty beach. What girl doesn't love this idea? Not only does it give you time together at home, but also gives a quality time working together PLUS gets you out to a romantic spot. Sure it isn't all caviar and expensive wines, but who says that is what makes the day special? It's who your with that makes Valentine's Day.

This last idea is what I call a wildcard. Valentine's Day almost seems too predictable to some people so instead of the general candy and flowers routine, why not surprise your girl wih something a little different. Is there somewhere she's always wanted to go, perhaps? I'm not talking that exotic getaway for two for two weeks on a deserted island with only the bare essentials to survive with. I'm talking more local. Maybe she's always wanted to try figure skating and you can get a lesson for the two of you. Perhaps you live in a warmer area and can bungee jump or if you're really daring go out and sign up for parachuting classes. Remember that variety is the spice of life and even in love you have to have that zest. It makes the day even more special when it doesn't turn into a 'lather, rinse repeat' cycle like Valentine's Day is known to create. Go take a walk somewhere and take a camera. Make it memorable and spontaneous. Create your own adventure when there's nothing else to do. That is what is so amazing about love. No other feeling can come close to those you experience when sharing a day with someone you care about. Be silly, be crazy and be spontaneous. Do something that will light both your faces up and make you realize just how special a person you have next to you? Besides, you never know what can happen on these created adventures. Sometimes the most amazing things can be a result of the different.

Whatever you do for your valentine this year, keep in mind that you don't need just ONE day to show that love and appreciation. You can make these feelings known every day of your lives together in little ways. Write a little something to show you care. Offer a hug and a massage when they're feeling down. No matter what though, cherish that time with your other half - you never know when it may be the last moments shared together.