How to Survive: Valentine's Day

Listen up, guys. From what I'm hearing, most of you are sucking it up BIG TIME on the whole Valentine's Day thing. The women in our collective lives deserve a lot better than the same roses as last year and a booth at the same old restaurant.

Let's break this down, shall we?

Step 1: Understand that 90% of women have seen and heard the same old thing on Valentine's Day, year in and year out. 
They want something new, something original. Do yourself a favor and put a little effort into the evening. You'll need to know a few basic details about your date. Is she the 'snuggle up on the couch for a movie' kind of girl or is she game for a little bit more adventure? Let's explore both options, starting with a romantic, at home date.

Step 2: Show her it's about her.
Turn off your phone. Put away the Playstation and get out the best dishes you own. Buy yourself a nice tablecloth and a good bottle of wine. And I mean it; turn off your phone.

Step 3: Forget the flowers and the chocolate.
You can plan and execute a Valentine's Day date that will blow her mind without breaking the bank. Every girl gets a dozen roses, so try one of these instead:

• a single red rose
• an origami rose
• silk flowers

Why these? Odds are good that your date/girlfriend/wife is a fan of rom-coms. What do all the douche-bag boyfriends in those stories have in common? When they inevitably screw up, they respond by showing up with a dozen (or more) roses. What does the classy guy she ends up with at the end show up at her door with? A single rose. Romantic, debonair, suave. The kind of guy that is going to sweep her off her feet.

An origami rose shows thought and effort. Origami is tricky, so follow the instructions closely. Trust me, she'll appreciate the trouble you went to. Need more help? Try this.

Silk flowers are a time saver and decently cost effective. Add to that the fact that they'll never shrivel and die on her, and she'll always have a reminder of the magical night you gave her.

Step 4: Try cooking instead of going out. 
Any schmuck can book a table, but takes a man of talent and persistence to have a romantic meal ready for his date. No good at cooking? Try one of these easy - moderate meals:

• Spaghetti Carbonara.  Savory. Sweet. Sexy. She'll love the Italian feel, you'll love that there's bacon.
• Bruschetta. Anyone can make bruschetta. Serve it on the side or on its own, either way she'll be impressed.
• French Toast. Breakfast for dinner? Edgy and fun. This promises to be a great alternative she'll never expect. Try one of these recipes, just look for your favorite ingredients!
• If all else fails, order in from her favorite restaurant and plate it like this:

Speaking of which, let's talk about the presentation, shall we?

Step 5: Set the mood.
Turn off the lights. Unplug the TV. Set a little music on low and light some candles. Even if you're only using tea lights (or battery operated LED candles), the atmosphere will be perfect. Down to the last minute and you still need to get some candles? Dollar stores have a decent selection at budget-friendly prices. Trust me, she'll be too busy enjoying herself to care where they came from.

Step 6: Enjoy dinner, and don't forget dessert

Step 7: Don't stop at dessert! 
If she's of a mind for a low-key, stay at home date, try these movies:

• The Princess Bride (1987). Smart, witty, romantic, and downright hilarious at times. You'll both enjoy this one.
• 50 First Dates (2004). One of the better Adam Sandler rom-coms. Drew Barrymore nails it, as usual.
• Casablanca (1942). Every woman loves this movie for the romance. Every guy should love this movie because Rick is a certified badass. The perfect blend for Valentine's Day.
• Tangled (2010). Disney has been cranking out some great animated movies lately. If you haven't seen Tangled yet, settle in for some fun
• Date Night (2010). If you and your date have been together awhile, this is the perfect movie to help spice up the night. Steve Carell and Tina Fey are fantastic.

If she's up for something more adventurous, consider skipping the traditional dinner and check out these options:

• Firing Range. I've yet to meet the girl that was not at least curious about how she'd do at a firing range. Whether it's handguns or compound bows, this is a thrill she's sure to remember. Check out local options for this, range fees are usually pretty reasonable and instructors are always on hand to help out.
• Rock Climbing. Indoor gyms are everywhere these days. You can rent equipment and get started in a matter of minutes. Make a few innocent challenges, such as whoever gets to the top first doesn't pay for drinks afterward.
• Dress Rehearsal. If there is a college or a community arts center near you, check the listings to see if there are any dress rehearsals coming up. Normally, theaters and performing arts centers will sell you tickets to the rehearsal at a huge discount. Just inquire at the ticket office to find the availability. Have some fun with it, get dressed up and pretend the theater was reserved just for you.

Step 8: Treat her like a queen.
No matter what date you choose, remember that you're trying to show her how much you care. Pull her chair out for her. Stand if she gets up to use the restroom. Offer her your arm as you stroll along the walk. Do everything you can to make her feel special, because she's worth every ounce of effort you have.

Good luck, have fun, and have a Happy Valentine's Day!