« TFR: The Sweetest Day Edition »

Guys, pay attention. Its that time of year again. When Hallmark's 4th quarter sales begin to rise, chocolate companies sales go through the roof, and the girls expect some kind of special treatment like today is different from any other day.

Heads up. It is different. Buy the cards, buy the chocolates, buy flowers even. There are a number of do's and don'ts in order to keep those of the female persuasion happy with you.

The Card

Find a card that actually has a meaning behind it. And remember, it doesn't necessarily have to mean squat to you. Put some effort behind your search. And before you buy the card, actually read it. You never know if you picked up what that says "From the Dog." They may take it a little too literally and put you in "The House." You don't want to shut down a romantic night that fast.

The Gift

Sometimes it is safe to get something not too mushy. If you haven't been together for a while, stick with a safe gift. CD's, favorite movies, things like that. Flowers can also be a fairly safe gift too. However, it really depends on how close you are with your significant other. If it's a newly formed romance, stay clear of the roses section. This is Sweetest Day. Valentines Day is still months away. Set the bar low now so the surprise then will be bigger. This way they don't say "You got me these last time. Are you going to get me these for every occasion?" This is a "romantic holiday" in the loosest sense. Therefore, expensive jewelry is also out. And as far as the sweets go, get a good box of chocolates. Not Hershey's. That's just cheap sounding.

The Date

If you have made it this far, you are beyond the difficult parts. Everything else is pretty easy. There are three words you have to remember the rest of the night. "Be the man." As much as you would rather have them decide what to do, it is seriously up to you. Let me explain. If you are like me, the first words you say when trying to find something to do is "So, what would you like to do tonight?" Not this time. Find something that you both like doing, or at least that she likes doing. Tonight is not about you. Furthermore, for the added touch, put some effort into how you look. This means no jeans and no t-shirts. Furthermore, for an added touch to the night, whenever possible, make sure she opens as few doors as possible. It is all about her today.

That being said...

You should have no problems if you put some thought behind what you are doing. Just don't blow it. Give her something to think about the rest of the night, the rest of the weekend, maybe even the rest of the week. Good luck guys.