Dos and Don'ts for Valentines Day

Maybe you've been in the "doghouse" because you missed her birthday or got her a junky gift for Christmas. Or maybe you're just looking to score some BIG points with the woman in your life this year. Or maybe you're just a hopeless romantic and want to make this Valentine's Day one to remember for you and your partner. Regardless of your motivations, you want to make sure that Cupid's arrows hit their mark this Feb. 14. So here is Jewelry.com's guide for guys on what to do - and what NOT to do - to make yourself a hero in her eyes.

Buy her jewelry, of course. This is really a no-brainer for any married man or guy involved in a long-term relationship. (If you've just started dating, though, you may want to wait a bit on the baubles until things get serious.) Nothing warms a women's heart more than a beautiful piece of jewelry. It's the ultimate symbol of love. Anything with diamonds and gold hearts is particularly appropriate on Cupid's day. And in terms of lasting value, you'll never find a better bang for your buck than jewelry. As the saying goes, "a diamond is forever."
Plan a special dinner. Dinner at a special restaurant for just the two of you is ideal. (And a night out on the town if you can swing it is even better). This obviously will work for couples at any stage of a relationship. But if you're on a tight budget, how about a nice candelight dinner at home, a rented movie, and then some popcorn and cuddling in front of the TV? (And if you have kids, get a sitter for the evening. Kids do have a tendency to kill the romance.)
Plan a romantic getaway. A weekend getaway for just the two of you (or even an overnight stay at a nice hotel) can do wonders to break the daily routine and spice up the romance in your life together.
Give her a break. Take on something that she usually has to worry about, such as laundry, cleaning, cooking, errands, etc. Also, offer to do a project this weekend that she's been wanting to get done - clean the garage, clean the storm windows, paint the bathroom, etc.
Write her a love letter or poem. If you're married or in a long-term relationship, chances are you probably haven't done this in a LONG time. Sure, you may have gotten her a card, but those manufactured Hallmark sentiments just aren't the same as the real thing. Think how surprised and touched she'd be finding a heartfelt note from you on Valentine's Day.
Give her your undivided attention. Treat her like queen for a day (believe me, it won't kill you - and the potential rewards make it well worthwhile). Listen to her, talk with her about things that are important to her, do little things for her, pamper her in every way you can. Even a woman with the toughest exterior can't help but melt in the face of such positive attention.

Now, on to what we like to think of as the "romance killers." Steer clear of these "cardinal sins" at all costs on Valentine's Day.

Don't

Buy her appliances. While she MAY need a new vacuum, toaster, blender or even a new washing machine, Valentine's Day isn't the time for such a practical gift. Think personal...think romance...NOT household chores.
Buy her exercise equipment. Okay, maybe she's mentioned she wants a treadmill or a Nordic Trac, but getting her one as a gift? You might as well get her a big neon sign that screams "I think you're getting fat!"
Buy her any sex guide books. Again, you want to romance her and "set the mood" for the evening - not make her insecure about her...abilities. A double "No No" if you've just started dating her!
Wait until the last minute. Planning ahead doesn't mean stopping on your way home from work on Feb. 14 and picking her up some roses or candy - although sadly, far too many guys seem to think this is okay. Not to say that flowers and candy aren't appropriate - they're a good start. But don't limit your possibilities to just that. Show her how much you appreciate her by putting some thought into the occasion. Give her something personal and unique that you know she'll love. There are many stores, Web sites and catalogs that offer wonderful personalized gifts. But you can't order them the last minute and expect them to be ready on the big day.
Forget Valentine's Day! This is a major faux pas at any stage of a relationship and will cost you big time (and not just now, but for months or even years down the road as well!)