For most of us, the thought of Valentine’s Day sends shivers up the spine. There is a lot of pressure to buy the right gift, say the right thing & pick the right restaurant. If you do a great job, you look like a “hero” & your significant other will remember the night for years to come. If you blow it, it could send your relationship in the wrong direction. After all, can not you express your love the right way on just one day?

People malign Valentine’s Day as a greeting card created holiday. They may be right but it’s what it is. Neglect it & use the argument that it’s “just another day,” & you may find yourself searching for a new love. The right mindset is to have a little fun with his romantic holiday. You do not have to spend a fortune, but you do need to put in the time to offer a creative, thoughtful & completely unique gift that your loved one will truly treasure.

Here are a few ideas for a fantastic Valentine’s Day:

- Prepare a gourmet dinner at home (their favorite foods). Add a nicely decorated table (linens, champagne glasses, flowers), candlelight & some soft music to help set the mood. Offer a gift at the table as an added surprise. – Show up at their job with flowers in hand & a romantic poem (anyone can call a florist & have flowers delivered — do the job yourself). – Decorate your bedroom at home so that when they come home you can have your own little romantic getaway. Use candles, rose petals, chocolate kisses, & romantic music. With Valentine’s Day on a Wednesday this year, this is the best bet for a getaway (and also less expensive than a hotel room). – If you can, surprise :o them with a little getaway at a local hotel for a romantic rendesvous.

No matter how much your gift cost, the most significant thing is to put some time & effort into Valentine’s Day. After all, it’s a celebration of your love.

Brian Borgia is owner of Romantic Room Designs (http://www.romanticroomdesigns.com) & author of Northern California’s Guide for Fun, Excitement & Romance.