The MGK Valentine Helper

by Steve on 12, February, 2010

Valentine’s Day can be rough.

Especially if you forget it.

Or, if you don’t forget it but remember it badly.

For example, your wife / girlfriend doesn’t want a lamp, frying pan or a beautiful new vase …. without the flowers (no matter how nice the vase is).

These are all actual ideas I’ve heard today.

So if you’re scrambling or on a limited budget consider this your Valentine’s Emergency List.

This list is good for women or men.  Even though men get a bad rap for this kind of stuff women procrastinate just as much as guys do …. the expectations for them is simply a lot less than it is for men.

Besides, let’s be honest men have simpler wish lists which makes us easier (and cheaper) to please.

Here’s how you write a GREAT Love Letter

Thanks to the folks at Mom Logic where I found this post (originally done by Rachel Sarah at SingleMommyHood.com).

Not that I NEED IT (especially not now, since I’ve read it and copied down the tips) but here is a great template for a love letter …..

“A love letter is the most intimate gift you can give,” says Janet Gallin (Love Letter Squad). “Because no one can duplicate it.”

  1. First, remember that a love letter does NOT have to be romantic: you can appreciate a parent, child, friend, teacher, public figure — even someone in your life in need of an apology or forgiveness. And who says you can’t write a love letter to YOURSELF?
  2. Be honest and authentic.
  3. Start by writing down one good memory you have of this person (“I remember when…”)
  4. Add something that makes you proud of this person.
  5. Include some physical attributes you admire.
  6. And don’t forget to write in your own handwriting on smudge-free paper or a card.

I especially like the first point about it not being limited to being a ROMANTIC thing.  It really is a great template for writing any kind of meaningful letter.  However, our focus here is Valentine’s (so take teacher and public figure off your list).

WARNING: For the men, I know what many of us think when we read #5 but try to resist and pick a different “physical attribute” (eyes, hair, figure, smile, etc.) you’ll impress her more.

With all the technology that we’ve got around us it’s nice to take a breath and fall back on a classic and even more meaningful way to let someone know how you feel (and unlike Twitter or Instant Messaging you can use as many characters as you’d like).

Some Other Great Valentine Letter Thoughts and Tips

If you need some Romantic Inspiration

Okay, this one has little to do with Valentine’s Day But I Ran Across It While Looking Up Valentine Stuff and it’s great ….

So you’ve got the letter written – so how about whipping up a nice romantic meal.

For starters, if it comes in box and needs to be warmed up you’re probably off to a bad start.  Instead, check out these links to put together a meal that will impress …

Ahhh, the food….

I don’t really like Martha Stewart but you’ve got to hand it to her, she puts together great spreads and women seem to like her style ….. which is what we’re going for here.

If you’re good … or brave try these

If you’re not Martha Stewart material but like her style try these Martha approved ideas (created by real people):

Or Skip Martha entirely and put together your own meal

  • If you’re realistic and realize you’re not that good …. try this instead

All right, love letter and a nice meal with a great dessert, maybe a nice beverage, maybe you even tried one of the crafty ideas (don’t worry about the outcome it’s the thought that counts) …. so how about a little chick flick (of course you’re not going to call it that, you’ll go with Romance, Love Story, blah, blah, blah).

Nice Movies for the evening …..

Need some help with the music to set a mood?  Itunes to the rescue…..

A Little Romantic Music …..

Don’t have Itunes, no problem, here’s a musical shopping list for you to work from instead:

Okay, at this point in time you’re on your own (and honestly if you can’t take care of things from here everything above was wasted anyway).

This list is targeted more at men romancing women.  So, to be fair I should (as a man) offer my insight for the women.

Any of the above things work well for men also (though the degree of fanciness required is MUCH less).  However, let’s remember a couple important points ……

  • You don’t need to do anything to
    • A) put us in the mood
    • B) get us ready to be in the mood
    • C) set the mood.

Ladies, we’re men …. we’re ALWAYS in the mood.

Have a great Valentine’s Day!

P.S. – Plan ahead for after Valentine’s Day here.

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