Top 10 Things To Do On Valentine’s Day

In case you haven’t been picking up on your girlfriend’s subtle hints, here’s the message loud and clear: Valentine’s Day is coming on February 14th!

As you start to brainstorm some romantic (and fun, and sexy, and unique) Valentine’s Day ideas that are sure to impress, let us be your guide on figuring out what to say with what gift and what gesture. Though there are plenty of things to do on Valentine’s Day, you want to make sure what you do sets the tone for the remainder of the year. Even if you don’t take the Hallmark holiday too seriously, it’s in your best interest to put in the extra effort, pull out all the stops, and make her feel extra special on the year’s sweetest day.

Are you sweating bullets yet?

While you dry off, realize that there are plenty of options for Valentine’s Day plans that’ll show her just how much you care about her and your relationship.

Of course, what you do depends on how long you’ve been seeing one another as well as what level of romance you’re looking to bring to the day. If you’re still drawing a blank, we have you covered. From simple, classic red roses sent to her office to personalized gifts given over dinner that honor the longevity of your relationship, these Valentine’s Day date ideas are sure to do the trick ( and then some).

10. You’ve Just Started Dating

You’re at the point where you haven’t made it official, but you could see it heading that way. The beginning stages of a new relationship are both filled with excitement and anxiety, where you teeter on the line of saying either too much or too little. If you’ve already been intimate, a good way to turn up the heat and move things forward is by organizing a thoughtful, reservation-required dinner.

Though you might be one of the 62 percent of men who think Valentine’s Day is a gimmick, 55 percent of women disagree. That’s exactly why you should invite her out for dinner and Valentine’s Day cocktails. This is your opportunity to work on building your intimacy and passion together, which will help solidify your connection.

9. You’re Going Through a Rough Patch

Regardless of how long you’ve been together, sometimes, things just aren’t easy in a relationship. If you’re going through a tough time with your girl, consider taking it old school with a long, open love note to her. Here, you can detail all of the unique, impressive qualities that made you attracted to her in the first place, along with the reasons why you’re fully committed to improving your bond in the years to come. Within these pages, you can suggest a date at one of her favorite restaurants, followed by a nice wine bar. A little spontaneity to get you out of the routine that’s messing with your relationship may help to open up the dialogue to set things back on track.

8. You’ve Just Said ‘I Love You’

If you’re at the point where you’re uttering those three words every chance you get, Valentine’s Day is likely a holiday you and your partner are excited about. While Cupid’s busiest day of the year might have felt over-commercialized in the past, when you’re smothered in those feel-good vibes, Valentine’s Day might take on a rosier meaning now. Let your gushy heart be your guide and go all out on the romantic gestures, starting with flowers. Many women enjoy a surprise bouquet (especially if you remember her preferences) delivered to her office so she can brag about the dude who was thoughtful enough to send them. According to OrganicBouquet.com, the majority of flower orders are placed on February 11, so beat the rush and order some now.

7. You’ve Been Dating Over a Year

The honeymoon stage has passed, and at this point, you’re learning to settle into one another. Use the holiday as an opportunity to book a getaway just for the two of you. Look for last-minute flight deals or pick something secluded a few hours from your home city. Getting out of your normal routine will bring some of that gotta-have-you kind of sex that’s undeniable.

6. She’s Really Stressed Out

Even in the happiest of relationships, outside stresses, such as issues with work or family, can put a damper on things. If things are rough around Valentine’s Day, your girl might want to do something low-key to avoid adding more onto her plate.

Though 57 percent of men think the dudes are supposed to plan Valentine’s Day, 68 percent of women say the couple should come up with something together. You ready for the challenge? Here’s where getting creative and considering her preferences is the best option. You want her to know you’re aware of how busy she is, and that your relationship and her happiness are a priority. Remember, it’s not about racking up the most on your credit card – a cheap Valentine’s Day gift can be good! Instead, it’s about showing her you remembered and that you care.

5. You Want to Spice Up Your Sex Life

The longer couples are together, the more comfortable they get with everything, from date nights, to household chores, and of course, sex. By now, you already know the right amount of pressure to apply to her most sensitive areas, where she likes to be kissed, and what position makes her orgasm. While this is all part of understanding your partner from the inside out, there’s more to be done to turn up the intensity of your love life.

For your Valentine’s Day celebration, you should cook dinner at home. Then, focus on making the evening all about her. Whether that involves drawing a bubble bath for two, giving a hot oil massage, or gifting her a new, sexy bathrobe, the more comfortable and loved she feels, the more likely she’ll be to explore things with you. When it’s time to have sex, take your time going down on her. By initiating oral sex and making sure she is warmed up and ready to go, you’ll make the sex hotter. From here, suggest a new position you want to try, or bring out a toy you’ve purchased. She’ll be impressed by your bedroom efforts.

4. You’re Broke Newlyweds

If you just got married within the last year, you’re likely still working on getting your savings back to where they were before tying the knot. This can cause stress in your relationship as many couples argue over finances and their plans for the future.

The week of Valentine’s Day, put the money chat on hold and instead, focus on the point of the holiday. While your wife is out running errands, make it your mission to recreate a smaller version of the magic from the day you said “I do.” Start by bringing out those wedding photos, picking up a cake similar to the one you had at your reception, buying the same flowers that were in her bouquet, and grabbing a nice bottle of champagne. She will love the sweet attention to detail, and might even be inspired to recreate some of that super hot, gotta-have-my-husband-right-now honeymoon sex, too. There are also a number of cheap Valentine’s Day gifts to choose from if you’re feeling a little uninspired, bouquet-wise.

RELATED: Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas for Her

3. You’re Recently Single

Most men (78 percent to be exact) don’t mind if they’re dateless on Valentine’s Day. Considering the stakes become instantly lower and your expenses significantly cheaper, being omitted from any celebratory gifts or events might feel refreshing. On the other hand, if you’re just out of a relationship, you might be missing the experience of being with someone you care about. This is a normal part of a recovery process that teaches you how to understand, process, and express your feelings in a healthy way.

To help make the love-oriented holiday pass less painfully, round up your single guy friends and hit the slopes. Take it as an opportunity to get away from your usual routine and do something active and outdoorsy. A little physical activity, followed by whiskey (or the booze of your choice), will do you some good.

2. She’s Not a Fan of V-Day

Some women don’t particularly care for February 14, and instead, they’d rather you flaunt your love for them all the time. With the date at the start of the year typically packing on pressure, some couples shy away from an over-the-top celebration.

If your lady has casually mentioned that she doesn’t need to celebrate V-Day, take her word for it, but suggest doing something fun anyway with no rose petals or champagne required. Try something neither of you have ever done before, whether that’s rock climbing, seeing a new band, or going for an impromptu road trip to the next state over. Whatever it might be, you don’t have to use Valentine’s Day as an excuse to do something exciting. Instead, you’ll remember together the most exciting gift of all is the company of a partner in crime who says “yes” to your every whim and bright idea, no matter how crazy it might be.

1. You’ve Been Together So Long That You Totally Forgot to Plan Anything

Before you put yourself in the dog house, remember that there are plenty of last-minute Valentine’s Day gifts and romantic things for those who let the holiday slip their mind. Unless you confess to your tardiness, you don’t even have to concoct a little white lie to cover up your forgetfulness.

An easy solution when you’ve been dating someone for so long is opting to buy rose petals at the florist and make a scavenger hunt around the apartment, all with reasons she’s wonderful, hot, sexy, and smart. The biggest thing to remember about this holiday is to just make it special for her. Show off your love!