Thoughts on Valentine's day...

**FYI - this post is (as some have described it) a bit risqué.  Just to let you know.**

So, Valentine's Day is just about a week and a half away.  If you're a guy, chances are you haven't even noticed or thought about it.  If you're a girl, you've been eyeing this date since the NYE party ended.  For some reason, Hallmark has decided to make this day on the calendar amazing for some and incredibly painful for others.   Not to worry, though.  I will offer you some advice to alleviate fears, and hopefully keep some of you out of the dog house!

I'm going to cover a couple bits in here so bear with me.  Feel free to read only what applies to you but I do hope you read it all!

The Big Date

This part of my post is more for those of you who have someone to take out for this Hallmark Holiday however, it's good advice for future reference as well.  For my readers outside of the Denver area, use Metromix.com or CitySearch.com for help in finding spots like the one's I mention below.

So, you've got this great girl that you want to impress.  You want to "woo" her (for lack of a better word) with a fancy dinner complete with appetizers, dessert and wine (or some other preferred libation).  You book a table at one of your city's best restaurants known for their romantic atmosphere (Vesta Dipping Grill, Zengo, or The Melting Pot).  You let your lady know you're taking her out to a nice dinner so she can get all dressed up for you (give her advanced notice!).  You buy her flowers and maybe even some chocolate.  You are even optimistic enough to pick up a box of 'love gloves'!

You pick her up and she looks HOT!  You are so glad you stopped by the drug store because you are SURE she'll want to play when you get her home.

The date goes off without a hitch.  You eat and drink to your hearts' content and you even get a nice little buzz from the wine.  The two of you head out of the restaurant, hand in hand.  Your lady is smiling from ear to ear and giving you, what you interpret to be, bedroom eyes.

During the ride home, the foreplay begins...or so you think.  You're kissing, touching, caressing...you're getting really excited for your "dessert".  Unfortunately, guys, while you're thinking, "Yes!  I'm going to get laid tonight!"  We women are thinking, "Ugh, I shouldn't have eaten all that food...I feel fat, I'm bloated and gassy.  I just want to put on sweats and go to bed."  Yes, these thoughts are going through our head even when we're kissing you...explains a bit, doesn't it?

So, what can you do?  Well, I have a couple suggestions for you.  

First, if you want to "woo" her and take her on this amazing date, do so - just don't expect to get any that night.  You can set yourself up for a little morning nookie, though.  Keep things PG-13 that night - kiss and caress, rub her back or feet...then, watch her wake you up in the morning!

Another suggestion is take her out to a tapas restaurant - The 9th Door or Ondo's in Cherry Creek are great options.  You get to have some great food but it's all appetizer-sized so you don't fill up as much as a full meal.  Then, you can still have your cake and eat it too...if you know what I mean (wink, wink).

If you're a dancing man, do the big dinner but instead of going home, take her dancing.  Go to a club like Suite 200 if you want to show off, La Rumba if you prefer the Latin flavor, The Church if you're in to techno, or Club Vinyl if you're looking for options (4 floors of different types of music and dancing!).  She'll feel a lot more confident about her body after she's danced away for a few hours.  Please note that this also brings a risk of her getting too tired so make plans for morning fun!

Finally, and this is my favorite suggestion, go against the grain for Valentine's day.  Instead of trying to be romantic in a restaurant full of people, make her dinner at home instead.  Let her know that you want to spend time with just her that night and also tell her you're taking care of everything.  Google "Easy, romantic dinner recipes" or click on this link: Easy and Romantic.  

With a little preparation, you CAN do this! 

Be sure to buy some wine, light some candles and prep your iPod with a sweet playlist (think Norah Jones, Barry White, Billy Joel, David Gray and Lifehouse)!  

Don't forget to get her some flowers too!  You might even take it one step further and have a chick flick on hand to cuddle up to after - Love Actually, Phenomenon or Braveheart are all good choices.  If you're the sporty, active couple, you might challenge her to a Wii game or a board game (be sure to let her win!).

You might also offer up a brunch date either instead of the above or in addition to it (the latter being my recommendation).

Basically, guys, if you want evening nookie, don't take your lady out for a big meal beforehand.  However, if a personalized wake up call is more your style, by all means, eat!

For the Singles

From about mid-November until just after Valentine's Day, the singles (mainly men) of the world seem to go in to a bit of a frenzy about the holidays.  Between all the parties and gift giving occasions many guys feel way too pressured and end up retreating in to a shell to avoid it all.  There is no need for this panic.  You can still have fun regardless if your status is: fully single, single with options, single and not wanting to be, or single and one person in mind.

Quickly, if you fall into any of the categories listed above, do NOT feel as though you're alone.  There are many other singles throwing up in their mouths at the sea of roses, heart-shaped balloons and jewelry radio ads.  So, dig deep into your list of friends and create a Single's Day.  Plan a fun night out - bowling at Lucky Strike, or board games at the Atomic Cowboy for example - for you and your fellow singles and live it up.  Who knows, maybe you'll end up with a Valentine after all.

For those of you who are single and have a particular lady (or gent) in mind, first, please do not freak out or feel pressured.  I've seen far too many guys (and girls) pull a better disappearing act than David Blaine when it comes to this day.  Guys, if you're interested in a girl, asking her out for this day does not bind you to anything more than a great date.  

**Girls, you must understand this!  Yes, it's Valentine's Day and he asked you out but it's because he wants to show he likes you, not because he's looking at rings after three dates.**

Okay, back to the men with prospects.  So, go ahead and ask her out.  My recommendation is to keep it CASUAL though.  Take her to eat at one of those Mongolian BBQ places and then go to a bar like The Celtic Tavern that has mini-bowling so you can do something fun and laid back.  Or, find a little bar that's playing live music (that is, if she likes music) where you can just relax.  

If you do really like her, though, make sure you get her SOMEthing.  A card with some chocolate or a neutral flower (anything but a rose) are a couple of good options.  

The most important factor, though, is that YOU plan the date - even if it is a casual situation.  If you really like her and want this prospect to become a true Valentine, you must take charge (Click here to see my post about treating a woman like a lady) and plan this date.  She'll return the favor down the road, I guarantee it. 

Now get out there and start planning for fun!


Do you have thoughts on my ideas?  Leave me a comment!


Are you doing something spectacular for Valentine's Day?  Tell me about it!