Valentine’s Day Guide (For Every Situation)

It’s coming guys… the day you all hate. The one created by the card and flower companies. The day of forced romance.

Valentine’s Day.

As much as you may hate it, the woman in your life most likely loves it. So, it really is in your best interests to play along. But because every girl is different, you need to play your cards right. Read on for tips on what to do for that special girl in your life.

The Traditional Girl

If your girl is the classic girly-girl, your best bet is to stick with the tried and true Valentine’s Day favorites. Flowers, chocolates, stuffed animals, dinner out – any and all will work. She loves the holiday purely for what it symbolizes and will be happy to have you acknowledge it in its most traditional and classic sense. One word to the wise though, as you probably know, flower costs go through the roof at Valentine’s, so try getting a dozen roses at your local Costco and arrange them yourself (and by arrange I mean stick them in a vase with water, you can handle that). You’ll save money and the traditional girl should appreciate that you tried to make it your own.

The High-Maintenance Girl

If your girlfriend tends to wear things that say Juicy (particularly across the backside of her pants), she needs a fuss on Valentine’s Day. And, not just any fuss. A public fuss. Part of her elation in your thoughtfulness, will be her ability to flaunt it in the face of all the other women she knows. (I know, ridiculous, but that’s just how it works). Make it easy for her. At the bare minimum, send her flowers at work on Friday. Even if you did the world’s most amazing thing ever, she will be somewhat dissatisfied if there isn’t an element that makes her the center of attention.

The Adventurous Girl

If your girl is always up for anything and seeking adventures, her Valentine’s Day gift needs to be unexpected. This doesn’t mean it needs to be extravagant, just out of the usual. If you two tend to spend a lot of time out, stay in. If there is something she has always wanted to do, but hasn’t, plan it. Or, take a simple thing the two of you love doing and twist it a little. For example (warning, you’re going to think this is cheesy, but trust me it’ll go over well), if she’s a foodie, cook dinner (ok or order it in). Then lead her on a romantic journey of flavor – heightening her sense of taste by feeding her blindfolded. (Yes, cheesy, but it would be an adventure, and Valentine’s Day is all about cheese). If your means allow, the surprise weekender is always a hit.

The ‘One of the Guys’ Girl

If your girl is that uber cool chick who watches sports with you and isn’t really into all things girly, don’t make the mistake of thinking she will not care about Valentine’s Day. The good news is, she’s probably not going to be as particular as most other girls, but she is still a girl. She will want you to do something special. It doesn’t have to be big, it doesn’t have to be specific, but you better do something. Maybe get tickets to see her favorite sports team – something the two of you will enjoy together.

The Not-Yours-Yet Girl

If there is a girl you’ve had your eye on for the longest time and just haven’t had the guts to make it a reality, Valentine’s Day is the perfect chance to make something happen. Doesn’t matter the kind of girl, almost without exception, she is going to appreciate and soften (AKA think of you in a romantic context) by a Valentine’s gesture. It doesn’t have to be big (and probably shouldn’t be if you haven’t been dating), but a card, a single flower, etc. not only opens the door, but allows you to walk right through it.

Valentine’s Day equates to forced romance in most of your minds, genuinely going against everything you stand for and believe in, but it’s kind of one of those things you have to just deal with. Yes, it might be the Hallmark holiday, but most girls love it. Yes, it shouldn’t take a special day for you to show love and appreciation, but most girls love the romanticism of a whole day dedicated to it. If you’ve got a girl worth your time, she’ll appreciate every gesture and repay the favor tenfold.