Romantic Date Ideas - 5 Mistakes to Avoid on Valentine's Day - Meatloaf Seems extra in Candlelight

These 5 Valentine's Day date mistakes could squelch romance and land you in the dog house. They include 1) assuming a romantic Valentine's Day is all about sex, 2) forgetting the principle that even meatloaf seems special in candlelight, and 3) being stingy just because you're on a budget. You can contemplate how to squeeze more romance out of Valentine's Day or any date.

1. Assuming a romantic Valentine's day is all about sex. 

Romantic Valentines Day Ideas

Wrong. It's not all about sex (although it could be). It's all about romance.

Years ago, advice columnist Ann Landers asked her female readers, "Would you rather cuddle or have sex?" Of the 90,000 women who responded, 72% preferred cuddling. Mind you, this is not a scientific survey, but it's an eye-opening one. If you're development all your plans just so you can get your sweetie in the sack, then slow down, pardner. Instead, make your romantic Valentine's Day date about pleasuring your honey. Think the 5 senses: sight, sound, smell, touch and taste. How can you request for retrial to each one? Maybe you'll get sacky--er, lucky--but for sure you'll score points with her.

2. Forgetting the principle that even meatloaf seems special in candlelight.

Presentation matters. That means, how you give the gift counts as much as the gift itself. So get creative. Gift your Valentine's gift idea in a special or unusual way. Did you buy concert tickets? Good choice. Now make earrings out of them. Gift wrap them in a box, instead of sticking them inside a card. If you're the King of Sloppy Wrapping, have your friend do it. Or check the basket store for ideas. Every year I gave my stepdad a necktie for Christmas. The year I had the necktie canned, he was stumped and delighted.

3. Being stingy just because you're on a budget.

Think about what she likes. Either it's penguins or shopping, is there a movie about that topic? Affordable accessories? Start with an idea or theme and ask yourself, how does she use this? What could go with it?  For example, does she love romantic novels or historical fiction? Go to the secondhand bookstore or Goodwill or the Salvation Army and buy her a box of books. Make a bookmark with a mushy note on the back. Wrap each book separately to prolong her pleasure in discovering each title. Get her a book light and a Snuggie blanket. 

Your most thoughtful Valentine's gift might be free. Has she been wanting you to clean out the closet or garage? Then do it! And remembering that presentation is important, put a big red bow on the door. Would she like a weekend all to herself? Then give her a coupon promising to take the kids camping. Or camp at your brother's house while she has a slumber party with her girlfriends.

4. development the same old small talk.

It's a special day. So get to know her better. No matter how long you've known each other, you'll contemplate underground stories. You will find hundreds of conversation questions in my e-book Do You Squeeze the Toothpaste in the Middle? Playful Questions for Dates & Mates. Here are some good conversation questions you can use right away:

How did you survive high school?  What were your friends like?  What clubs or teams did you belong to?  How did you get spending money?  How have you changed since then? 
5. Putting colossal attentiveness into the special date day, and then going back to life as usual. 

It's like getting dumped off a featherbed and crash landing on the floor. Keep the romance fires burning, at least for a few more days.

Romantic Date Ideas - 5 Mistakes to Avoid on Valentine's Day - Meatloaf Seems extra in Candlelight