Valentine's Day: Five Things You Can Do to Knock Her Socks Off

Too often, we guys treat Valentine's Day too lightly, and our last minute shopping and lack of planning does not go over well. Want to knock her socks off? Here are five simple things you can try.

1. Write a Love Journal: As far in advance as you can, start a journal of love notes to your significant other. Keep it secret, of course, but give it to her on Valentine's Day. This will show her that you've been loving her all along and that Valentine's Day isn't just a one day thing. These notes can be poems, hand-drawn pictures, even a homemade word search or crossword puzzle. You can also just jot down words or phrases or random observations about your relationship or her attributes or the things she does.

2. Homemade Coupons: Give her a stack of hand-written notes -- "coupons" -- that list things you will do for her and that she can redeem at any time. These can include household chores, yard work, back massages, nights out with the ladies, or whatever. Pick things that you know she will appreciate. Ideally this would be above and beyond the things that you already do for her around the house.

3. Make Today Special: Think about something that you would normally do for her on Valentine's Day, and then do it today instead. Repeat tomorrow, and then the next day, etc. On the one hand, this might make Valentine's Day less special, but at some point she'll realize that you're treating her to Valentine's Day every day. Surprise her with a poem. Find something that she normally does around the house and do it for her. Do you play a musical instrument? Serenade her with a beautiful solo.

4. What She Wants: Skip the chocolate and flowers unless you KNOW that she REALLY likes that. What does she really want? For you to cook the dinner? For you to give her a foot rub? For you to take the daughter to ballet? To have some time by herself in a bubble bath? This of course means that you've got to have an inkling of what's important to her. Also, whatever you give her or do for her, do not add any stress or inconvenience to her life. For example, I once surprised my wife with a gift certificate for a one hour massage, and I thought she would love it. It turned out to be quite a burden for her to figure out a time in her schedule when she could make use of it, and it took eleven months before she got the massage.

5. No Strings Attached: In all these things, show her that your love for her is unconditional. Don't demand or expect anything in return. She wants to be loved for who she is, not because of what she'll do for you. And this isn't a one time deal; you will want to work on demonstrating your unconditional love for her frequenty.

Happy Valentine's Day, y'all.