By DrLovegood on 02-11-2008
Sit up and take notice if you are the type to end up in the dog house because you failed to notice that the entire world is radiating hearts and kisses. Valentine’s Day causes a lot of anxiety as people try to figure out what to do for their valentines. Here are some ideas to not only keep you out of the dog house but to make your valentine happy and sure that he/she has the best valentine ever. Almost any of these ideas can be used successfully on a person of any temperament, but I’ve broken them up by who is most likely to appreciate them.
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GUARDIANS If your valentine is a Guardian, it is extremely important that you do something for them and/or give them something. People who are in love are supposed to show that love on culturally recognized days. It is impossible to explain that you forgot, were too busy, or didn’t have any money. Fortunately, you don’t have to be very creative. Guardians appreciate traditional remembrances including flowers, candy, hot lingerie, a candlelit dinner, cards, jewelry, and the like. You can set up a couple tradition that every Valentine’s Day you give your valentine the latest specialty figurine they’re collecting. That way you will not have to worry about coming up with something.
ARTISANS If your valentine is an Artisan, you can give them any of the traditional Guardian things or create an experience or go for a grand expensive gesture. A sample experience could include hiking to a private place and sharing some wine and other things. Artisans often enjoy somewhat risqué things, such as body sauce and edible underwear. Or you could create a trail of small gifts with each gift containing a clue to help them find the next gift. Another fun thing to do is wrap something very small in a series of progressively larger wrapped boxes. Your valentine will be likely to enjoy the fun of wondering when they’ll finally get to the gift and what it is.
RATIONALS Rational valentines are often the easiest to please. Many Rationals dislike being ‘forced’ by tradition to demonstrate love and will have no problem if both of you decide to give it a miss. It is not uncommon for Rationals to be completely unaware that Valentine’s Day is even approaching. If you want something from them, you will need to be very direct in telling them what you expect if they don’t want to be sleeping on the couch for a month. Generally speaking, they appreciate a gift of their favorite food or a nice dinner out.
IDEALISTS If your valentine is an Idealist, you are likely to need to do a lot of work. Most Idealists are very romantic and enjoy the romantic feel of Valentine’s Day. While traditional gifts can keep you out of the dog house, you will need to be a bit more creative to really capture their loving feelings. Idealists often like things specially made for them, such as a hand made card, decorated clothing (children’s handprints), and some of the ideas from the Artisan suggestions. Another thing that is often a big hit is a coupon book. The coupons can be for things like a back rub, doing the dishes, movie night, and so on. The cornier the coupons are, the better (“One coupon for a 15 minute back (and maybe lower ;-)) rub from your devoted slave”).

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Posted by blaxicans on Feb 12, 2008
Man, I know this is not a popular opinion, but Valentine's has to be the worst invention ever. You could exude romance every day of the year, but if you don't do it on some unimportant day like Valentine's day, you are somehow not thoughtful. Birthdays and anniversaries are truly special. Valentine's day is just another obligation that my wife and I, fortunately do not feel obliged to take part in. |
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Posted by LisaFairhurst on Feb 12, 2008
I'm an Idealist, but I can't stand Valentine's Day either. It just means more work for me. My husband is a Rational, so I don't have to worry too much about him. But the kids expect stuff, and I'm sure my Guardian mom would like a card. I'll probably give her a hug instead. I don't know why I'm such a Valentine's grinch. I always have been. Maybe I just hate being told when to tell people I love them -- I've got a large touch of Rational. I like all of the ideas listed for Idealists, and it would be fun to get them, but my Rational husband isn't going to do any of them, and it isn't that big of a deal. |
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Posted by blaxicans on Feb 12, 2008
You hit the nail on the head, Lisa. Valentine's Day is a way of being told when to tell people you love them. Birthdays and anniversaries, on the contrary, are by my own choice. The funny part is my wife is an Artisan and I would expect her to go gaga over Valentine's day. However, she shares the same sentiment as me, which is a true blessing. |
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Posted by DrLovegood on Feb 13, 2008
As long as you and your sweetie agree on how to celebrate/ignore Valentine's Day, you're good to go. Valentine's Day can be very high stakes, so it's a good idea to hedge your bets if you're not sure what your partner will want. Just don't ask them what they want. The standard answer will be "nothing." That answer means either they don't give a rip about the day or that they believe you shouldn't have to be prompted and your gift should come from your heart. |
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Posted by amyleeandthesea12 on Feb 13, 2008
I also have no regard for Valentine's Day. I agree with you on the type of gifts we idealists like, but I would much rather them on days that my husband and I have made special, not the commercial industry. For eg. the first day we met, or the day we started dating - for the same reason I don't feel inclined to celebrate our wedding anniversary because the wedding was a legal function and anniversaries are what everyone else celebrates. I can't remember the actual day I decided to commit to my husband in my heart, but naturally as idealists we try to celebrate love in our lives everyday. |
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Posted by Fer on Feb 14, 2008
My case is slightly different. I'm married to a Guardian who, like me, is very romantic and loves celebrating 'important' anniversaries (first date, first kiss, first time each said 'I love you'...). But also, we both dislike 'invented celebrations' (those that you 'have to' consider special because everyone does). So, we just ignore Valentine, and celebrate big and small 'anniversaries' quite often along the year. His Guardian self is happy to point out how much we save in silly gifts and pricey dinners during the times shops and restaurants are crowded, and I L-O-V-E the fact that nobody is telling me how I must behave in a particular time of the year. Fair enough, seems to me. ;-) |
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Posted by Shinydemon on Feb 14, 2008
As much as I love most holidays I just can't get in to Valentine's Day. To me and my wife the best thing about V-Day is that it gives us a great reason to ask Grandma to watch the kids so we can go out. If nothing else, we know we have a babysitter for that night. Although we usually postpone it to the weekend anyway. We put the money and effort into going out together instead. Sometimes we still get each other a gift but the pressure is off. It's that pressure that I think takes all the fun out of V-Day for a lot of people. |
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Posted by JackDermody on Feb 15, 2008
I used to entertain in a restaurant on all weekends and holidays. The happiest audiences tended to appear at Oktoberfest, New Years, and Valentine's Day. The former two are designed to have fun -- come hell or high water. The latter, unlike Mother's Day, cannot be pulled off without authenticity and sincerity. On Valentine's Day, vows are renewed at the table, anniversary songs are sung, rings are exchanged, dessert is relished, and tips are the highest. I feel it's a shame to be cynical about this single opportunity to tell people you love them in a special way. |
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Posted by saywhat on Feb 29, 2008
you guys are all fuckng delicate. you guys need to mature ass holes |











Valentine's Day is coming up? Golly! :-) Fortunately, my Artisan wife is not difficult to please. She simply wants everything. Well, barring that, the suggestions given seem to fit perfectly. Thanks!