Sweep Him Off His Feet: A Valentine’s Day Makeover
by Kathi Lipp

Valentine’s Day is such an all-or-nothing proposition for most men. If they don’t plan an over-the-top romantic date, (complete with a gourmet dinner, flowers and something small in a box), they feel like they aren’t living up to the ideal of what we want out of our fantasy. So what do most guys do? Procrastinate and stop off at the store on the way home from work (along with every other guy in town) and settle on gas station flowers and a prayer.

Why not take the pressure off and up the fun factor of your Valentine’s celebration by planning your day together? I promise, for 90 percent of men, this will be the answer to their dreams.

Here are a couple tips

Make the First Move. In January, talk to your husband about what you’d like your celebration to look like — and ask him about his expectations. Not only does this take the pressure off of your man, but also you get the fun of planning something together.

Remember Romance is Over-Rated. I write books on how to up the romance factor in your marriage, but Valentine’s Day is the time to lower your expectations. And while romance can be overrated, fun never is. Think rollerblading over roses, eating fish tacos over fine dinnerware and Wii Boxing over jewels in tiny boxes. Here are some other fun activities for couples:

• Bocce ball
• A drive-in movie (go to driveinmovie.com to find a functioning theater)
• Miniature golf
• Bowling

Or try eating at an out-of-the-way ethnic restaurant (that isn’t likely to be slammed on Valentine’s Day as a more traditional eatery would be).
Whatever you do, make sure you have something planned that is low-pressure and that both of you will have fun doing.

Recapture some of the fun you and your spouse had before the kids came along. Focus on having some grown-up fun this year for Valentine’s Day.

2 out of 3 Ain’t Bad
OK. Pick two out of the three. If your expectation is to go out on Valentine’s and have your regular babysitter available for a relaxing and fun evening, then you’re setting yourself up for disappointment.

Keep your expectations realistic and pick two out of three possibilities. If you have a saintly mom who doesn’t have her own Valentine’s plans and says, “Let me take the kids overnight,” then go. And be prepared to wait an extra half an hour for your 7 o’clock reservation.

However, my favorite solution is to celebrate on the 13th or the 15th when the babysitters are cheaper and the lines are shorter. I don’t care when we go out (as much as I hate crowds, I’d prefer to stay home on the busiest of days).

Kathi Lipp is the mother of four and the author of The “What’s for Dinner?” Solution from Harvest House Publishers. For more fun and flirty ideas, check out her website at kathilipp.com.