Many men just don't get it.

Valentine's Day is a very important day to most women that are in a relationship.  It is very different from her birthday, or Christmas time - and it's important that guys recognize that.  It is all about your relationship with her, and what she means to you.

It is funny, though, that the origins of Valentine's Day have very little to do with love.

There are various theories on the origin of Valentine's Day, but the most popular dates back to the time of the Roman Empire during the reign of Claudius II, 270 AD. Claudius didn't want men to marry during wartime because he believed single men made better soldiers. Bishop Valentine went against his wishes and performed secret wedding ceremonies. For this, Valentine was jailed and then executed by order of the Emperor on February 14. While in jail, he wrote a love note to the jailor's daughter signing it, "From your Valentine." ‘Sound familiar?

OK, now that you know the history, let's get back to the here and now.  Bottom line, if you want to make an impression on your significant other this Valentine's Day (and you should), I have three tips that may help.  Feel free to use; one, two, or all three of them.  There is no such thing as laying it on "too thick" - when it comes to Valentine's Day!

1) DO NOT wait until the last minute -- This is the most common mistake that American men make.  Just because V-Day may fall on a Tuesday or Wednesday, doesn't mean you can wait til the 'evening of' to make reservations.  Take her somewhere that you know she likes, when it comes to dinner.  The rest of the night should be somewhat of a surprise, though.  Don't just take her to a movie, or a bar that the two of you go to all the time.  Do something that will be different, and memorable.  It has been my experience, that a woman will recognize, and appreciate,  the effort.

2) Take A Trip -- If it's in the budget, getting out of town for a night or two, can have long lasting benefits.  Any hotel/resort/casino will do - it really doesn't matter - it's all about relaxing and laying by the pool, or sitting at the slot machines, for a couple days.  See how refreshing it can be to ignore your cell phone for a few days, too.

3) Write It Out -- Last, but probably most impactful, is the Valentine's Day card that you write yourself. There's a million cards out there that you can buy, that will say the words for you.  But really, she deserves better than that.  Even if you're no "word - man", write down how you feel about her.  Write down how much you need her, how much you think about her, how she is the best thing that has ever happened to you.  Write down all of those things that you know she deserves to hear infinitely more than you tell her.  Be sincere, and if you're not the 'mushy and emotional' type of guy - don't be afraid to let this be where you "let it all out", if you know what I mean.  The Valentine's Day card or love letter that you write out yourself, can be very powerful.

Consider this your 6 week warning - that's plenty of time to make sure that her Valentine's Day is a fantastic one!

 

 

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