Valentine's Day provides a unique opportunity for lovers and romance aficionados the world over. Candle-lit dinners, deep red roses, chocolate truffles, heart-shaped confetti – all excellent components for setting the scene for a magically romantic way in which to celebrate relationships and love interests.
All around the world, in the weeks preceding the 14th of February, people of all races, ages, genders and creeds muse as to what to prepare for the special people in their lives. Cards are bought or made, flowers are pre-ordered, restaurant tables are booked in advance. Valentines wait with bated breath, nervous in anticipation as to what they might receive on that most special of days that comes but once a year.
Romancing your sweetheart this Valentine's Day
At its core, the most essential and obvious elements to romance are you and your sweetheart. The holiday is widely accepted as one of the only days in the year when public displays of affection and ditching your friends are condoned by society at large.
Most lovers, however, look to go the extra mile come the 14th of February. And it's understandable. Valentine's Day is to many people the epitome of a relationship, a reflection of the way in which the other person feels for them.
More than romance?
Whilst romance is undeniably the overarching theme of Valentine's Day, the occasion has ample scope for providing your sweetheart with more than solely romance. After all, what better time to show someone that you find them extraordinary than by giving them more than they ever hoped for?
There's definitely something to be said for elaborate set-ups, extravagant restaurants and grand gestures. On the other hand, there's also definitely something to be said by simple heartfelt gestures that speak directly to the character of your Valentine and what you especially like or love about them.
How to give more than just romance to your Valentine
Personalised tokens of love or affection need not be expensive. Romantic comedy movies and television might have you believe that you need to spend an arm and a leg to really wow your Valentine. However, the phrase "it's the thought that counts" rings especially true for this occasion.
To give three contrasting scenarios, let's look at a hypothetical married couple. In the first scenario, the husband picks out a pink and red Valentine's Day card and a small bouquet of roses for his wife. This scenario is a very typical way in which to celebrate the 14th of February for many across the UK.
In the second scenario, the husband picks out an expensive restaurant to dine at, whilst the wife picks out lingerie for later on in the evening that she knows her husband will like. The couple is among hundreds and thousands of people spending their Valentine's Day in a similar way.
Now, there's absolutely nothing wrong with these two first scenarios. But let's take a look at scenario number three. In this instance, the husband prepares a modest picnic lunch and pours a bottle of champagne with a personalised label that alludes to the couple's very first date. The wife, knowing that her husband hasn't had the opportunity to be sailing as he used to do in his college days, has organised an afternoon on a vintage Thames barge.
Whilst both of these Valentines variations are sure to be enjoyed by any couple, it's clear which this couple is going to find more memorable. The primary distinction between them is that the
Valentine's Gifts in the third scenario are ones that have been hand picked to specifically cater to what it is about the couple that makes them unique.
Let's get personal
When all is said and done, it doesn't take rocket science to figure out how to romance your Valentine. However, it does take a good deal of thought to really impress your Valentine and let them know how you feel about them. The more your Valentine feels that you've taken their unique being into account when buying their
Valentine's Gifts, the better you're going to fare as their Valentine.
Whatever your budget, whatever your Valentine's tastes, there are endless ways for you to express your emotions in a way that won't easily be forgotten. The key is to get personal! Spoil your Valentine with things that are special to the two of you, things that you know they especially like and things that they can keep to remember you when you're not around.
This Valentine's Day, you're guaranteed a memorable occasion if you let yourself think outside the box. Get creative! Get personal!
Related article:
How To Impress The Girl Of Your Dreams (Valentine's Day)