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A big CONGRATULATIONS to Goddesses Lori Austin (Lori Handeland) and Sabrina Jeffries for being named as RITA finalists for their historical romances BEAUTY AND THE BOUNTY HUNTER and A LADY NEVER SURRENDERS!
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And no, I’m not talking about Rachel’s book. The trouble with Valentine’s Day . . . is that it’s the only time it sucks to be a romance writer.
Why is that, you wonder? (Or maybe you don’t, but I’ll tell you anyway). Because that’s when people always seem to want my recommendations about what makes a wonderfully romantic Valentine’s Day. For some reason they think I have the answers.
Unfortunately, I haven’t got a clue. For me, a card, a nice dinner, and/or flowers are quite enough, thank you very much. Even chocolate is optional (depending on what my dieting scheme is that week). But that’s not what people want to hear. They want to hear some fancy romantic scheme involving limos or moonlit walks or diamond earrings. Except more creative.
Since I pour all my creativity into my books, I’m at a loss. And really, you don’t want advice from ME on this subject. Just because I love writing about heroes who carry their heroines off to bed doesn’t mean I’d recommend it for the average husband/boyfriend. They’re liable to break, pull, or otherwise strain something, and that just isn’t romantic. Besides which, I could be sued. Some women are a lot heavier than they look (cough, me. cough).
My current book, A Lady Never Surrenders, has the hero picking the lock of the heroine’s room door after they’ve had a fight, so he can make his big profession of love. Romantic? In a historical romance, yes. Good recommendation for Valentine’s Day? Uh, no. Aside from its stalkerish feel, any prospective wooer trying to break in to his intended beloved’s house is liable to trip the alarm system, bringing the wrath of several guards upon himself. Or he might find himself facing the business end of his beloved’s gun. Oh, wait, that happens in my book. See what I mean? I’m not a good person to ask. Possible death might ensue.
So what do YOU think makes a wonderfully romantic Valentine’s Day? What would you love to have a guy do as a romantic gesture? How do you draw the line between stalkerish and romantic? What was the most creative romantic thing a guy ever did for you?
One lucky commenter will win a 5-pack of Goddess books, and another lucky commenter will win a $40 gift card to the bookstore of his/her choice. Hey, we like to celebrate Valentine’s Day on Mt. Oly by giving stuff away!
As I have never been into Valentine’s Day before. Seems I either have a huge fight the day before (convenient ploy, I’m sure) or I’m just single (it has its merits). I’ll be happy to treat myself shopping for books online while listening to cheesy music, maybe have a couple cocktails as well.
I have enjoyed reading everyone’s replies though. Some of you guys have some very thoughtful spouses and family members.
Enjoy the day!
Posted on February 14, 2012 at 8:21 pm.
Treat yourself, by all means! Who says Valentine’s Day has to be for couples only?
Posted on February 14, 2012 at 9:31 pm.
I love just spending time with my valentine. I have a love of flowers, and he always gives me my favorite, Roses.
Posted on February 14, 2012 at 8:22 pm.
The most creative thing a guy did for me was fill my cr with balloons and decorate the windows. They were little balloons, and it took him HOURS to blow them all up!
Posted on February 14, 2012 at 8:23 pm.
My chest hurts just thinking of that.
Posted on February 14, 2012 at 9:32 pm.
For me, I’d do a retreat to a villa on the beach with a private pool and intimate dinner. Totally!
Posted on February 14, 2012 at 8:24 pm.
Time. The best Valentine’s gift is time – with each other, away from your kids, whatever you need. BeInv able to devote time to each other is incredible and so rare!
Posted on February 14, 2012 at 8:28 pm.
This is the 1st Valentines day on my own, so I’m really not into it this year.
Posted on February 14, 2012 at 8:34 pm.
Totally understandable, Cathy. Try to pamper yourself tonight!
Posted on February 14, 2012 at 9:32 pm.
It is different for everyone. Some years are better than others. This was a good year. We went to an American Legion dinner/dance this weekend (and we won naughty door prizes lol), my husband bought me and both daughhters candy and lottery tickets (one daughter won $20) and tonight I took him out to dinner. Yes, a good year. There have been times when it’s been nothing, sometimes flowers or just a card. I like dinner out since I don’t have to cook again lol.
catslady5(at)aol.com
Posted on February 14, 2012 at 8:40 pm.
I think of everyday as Valentine’s Day. Although Sabrina’s blog made me realize that the holiday kind of gets guys off the hook for the rest of the year to love their girl. I think men invented the holiday so this way they only have to show they love their girl one day out of the year. (Sabrina, truthfully, is this why it is difficult to come up with books that make for good Valentine Day’s readings?) I’ve read Sabrina’s books — she doesn’t center the guy’s love around Valentine’s Day. It’s an everyday love that she goes after.
Posted on February 14, 2012 at 8:43 pm.
Thanks, Susan. I’m glad you think so!
Posted on February 14, 2012 at 9:33 pm.
My brother makes sure my Mom and I receive flowers and Godiva’s chocolates every Valentine’s Day because neither of us have spouses. He’s been doing this for over fourteen years now and while it isn’t romantic in the traditional sense it is an act of love. And yes, his wife knows how lucky she is to have him!
Posted on February 14, 2012 at 8:50 pm.
Your brother is so sweet! That is so great of him to do that for your mom and yourself! He seems to be a very thoughtful man.
Posted on February 14, 2012 at 9:11 pm.
How thoughtful that is!
One year, my brother sent me a Mother’s Day card in which he wrote a long note about how he knew my son couldn’t tell me what a good mother I am (being nonverbal and autistic), so my brother was going to tell me. He had me sobbing! It was so sweet.
Posted on February 14, 2012 at 9:34 pm.
Wow, that was thoughtful AND insightful! Few men would have had the insight to realize your son can’t always express what I know is in his heart, that you are an amazing Mom! Good brothers are such a gift!
Posted on February 15, 2012 at 12:01 am.
Sabrina I LOVED this post! I laughed out loud, even! Makes me glad I’m not a romance author that has to come up with romantic advice for others.
I’d be at a loss too.
Your upcoming book sounds fabulous! And perfect for – as you said, a historical not contemporary.
As for a major romantic gesture? A surprise lavish weekend trip. I think that’d be really romantic. [Well, maybe letting your sig o know about the trip so their everyday schedule isn't entirely messed up.]
No sneaking into someone’s space though. Going through their things. That’s weird. Or kidnappings to go to an event. I actually think the whole “watching X person sleep” for anything longer than a few minutes also ends up in creepster territory.
Posted on February 14, 2012 at 8:50 pm.
Yes, I think that’s a bit creepy, too. A few minutes is fine, but anything longer … hmmm.
Glad you liked the post!
Posted on February 14, 2012 at 9:35 pm.
I’m really sick this year so my romantic plans are postponed, but we usually do kids free night featuring dinner and a concert.
Posted on February 14, 2012 at 8:52 pm.
My Valentine writes me romantic cards and sends me flowers at work. One year the card was in French!
Posted on February 14, 2012 at 8:55 pm.
We didn’t plan it this way, but it WAS innovative and
creative! Our first child was born on the first Valen-
tine’s Day after we were married!
Pat C.
p-cochran@juno.com
Posted on February 14, 2012 at 9:05 pm.
Aww, that’s lovely! I was born two days before my parents’ first anniversary, so they spent their first anniversary in the hospital (back when they used to keep mothers longer).
Posted on February 14, 2012 at 9:37 pm.
This is not a Valentine’s Day memory, but it is the most romantic thing he’s ever done…the next morning after our second date, he took me to Half Moon Bay to a Christmas tree farm to pick out a tree and he cut it down for me, helped me take it home, clean it up, and decorate it.
Posted on February 14, 2012 at 9:06 pm.
That IS sweet!
Posted on February 14, 2012 at 9:37 pm.
Your question of the most creative romantic thing my husband ever did for me is an easy one to answer. When our boys were toddlers he had a friend who told him one time that when he was looking after our sons when I worked at night and in the evening during the week and on week-ends that he was “babysitting” my husband told him that no he was being a father! More than anything else that showed me he had a loving commitment not only to them but to me as well to be a loving involved parent.
We celebrated our 42nd Anniversary on February 7th and most people wouldn’t think that he’s romantic but I love him for what his character and understanding is and not material things that he could give me. Granted to someone else a new vacuum isn’t romantic but it does show that he understands needs more than wants.
I must admit that I love when he brings home flowers that are unexpected but when he gives me a plant instead it’s also nice to know he’s thinking of our future together and not just the present.
To me romantic doesn’t mean the gifts that are given but instead the promise of being together for a lifetime. You can keep the guy who only makes a romantic gestures for someone else and I’ll keep his steady presence by my side supporting me in all ways and truly being there for me through sickness and in health and instead of elaborate gifts he has shown me his love and support in the little gestures that really matter.
Posted on February 14, 2012 at 9:10 pm.
I agree! Hubby is always there for me, so when he forgets to do something special once in a while, I don’t fuss too much. Besides, I forget, too! Especially the older I get.
Posted on February 14, 2012 at 9:38 pm.
My husband gave me a nice bottle of wine., I love wine
Posted on February 14, 2012 at 9:10 pm.
The best Valentine’s Day celebration is a special dinner at home with my husband and girls. The girls decorate the house with homemade hearts, I make a special dessert, and hubby picks up a nice take-out dinner on the way home. After dinner we snuggle on the couch, turn on the fireplace, and watch a DVD. Best.night.ever. <3
Posted on February 14, 2012 at 9:13 pm.
For me its in the details and not the big hype. Just the fact that he took time to plan something, write a card or get me roses and chocolates means a lot. It is just thinking about each other and knowing each other cares is what makes Valentine’s day special to me.
Beena S.
Posted on February 14, 2012 at 9:18 pm.
Funny that you questioned the line between romantic and stalkerish. On my way home, I passed a Valentine theme ad for Twilight Breaking Dawn(?) and couldn’t help but think that Edward and Jacob were total stalkers. Jacob for not letting go after Bella says she doesn’t want him and Edward for appearing in her room without even knowing her flipping name! And this is romance? Sadness.
Posted on February 14, 2012 at 9:24 pm.
You know, I haven’t read the books, but y’all are making me wonder about them, and not in a good way! But it’s always hard to judge a book without reading it, and I know lots of people love it.
Posted on February 14, 2012 at 9:40 pm.
I think that the most romantic thing that my guy could do for me would be to have a nice glad of my favorite red wine, my fuzzy slippers and robe waiting for me when I get home from work. He is cooking the most wonderful dinner and the house smells wonderful. He stopped at the french bakery and got a fabulous dessert.
Posted on February 14, 2012 at 9:29 pm.
Valentine’s day was rainy and nasty. Enjoyed sitting in my easy chair reading a romance book.
Posted on February 14, 2012 at 9:30 pm.
Hi guys the greatest valentine ford me if my husband called my boss and arranged for me to have the day off and took me anywhere where we can spend a day away together.
Posted on February 14, 2012 at 9:33 pm.
My very first Valentine’s Day with my now spouse still is one of my best ever. He spent weeks making this incredible “homemade” heart from poster board and decorated it with lace and glitter. Inside he wrote this tear-jerker poem about all of the amazing reasons why I am the perfect woman and the reasons why he loves me. I still have it til this day 15 yrs. later.
Posted on February 14, 2012 at 9:34 pm.
That is SO sweet. I think a homemade valentine should automatically get a guy big brownie points!
Posted on February 14, 2012 at 9:41 pm.
Honestly, after years of marriage and 2 kids that we never get any alone time from, I think I’d swoon if we could just spend a few hours together on a date without the kids! Dinner, a walk on a beach, or even just sitting in the truck talking together, all would be awesome!
Posted on February 14, 2012 at 9:38 pm.
I know what you mean! I could use some alone time with Hubby these days. We only get it on our walks!
Posted on February 14, 2012 at 9:41 pm.
On my own for several years now. I get my romance from all you wonderful writers!!! Please keep up the great work!!! I’m never without a book…even read in the checkout line!! I need all of you goddesses to keep writing so I can keep reading! Thank you all!!!
Posted on February 14, 2012 at 9:58 pm.
Thank you for reading!!
Posted on February 14, 2012 at 10:57 pm.
My husband doesn’t do big gestures on Valentines Day, (or birthdays) but he does little stuff all the time. Like bringing dinner home so I don’t have to cook, or watching a movie with me. I’d rather have steady love than a flash in a pan.
Posted on February 14, 2012 at 10:02 pm.
My husband had the bad luck to be on a business trip on Valentine’s day during one of the early years of our marriage. He was very worried about it, so he got creative. He was near Niagara Falls, so he convinced a co-worker to take a picture of him near the waterfall and sent me the photo by email. He was holding an 8.5″ x 11″ piece of paper with a giant red heart on it! This effort was a big deal, because it was during the 90s before Smartphones and before digital photography was common. Plus, he had to find a computer to use in order to download the photo card and email me. I was very impressed! He is traveling again this year. He called me on all his breaks today to make sure I was having a good day
Posted on February 14, 2012 at 10:02 pm.
Aw, that’s so sweet!
Posted on February 14, 2012 at 10:57 pm.
Hubby and I rarely get to go out for dinner. Our anniversary is next month so we try to make it count
Posted on February 14, 2012 at 10:03 pm.
The most romantic thing my husband could do for me right now is help around the house without being asked and ask the kids if they have homework and make sure they do it without me calling and asking him to ‘ask the kids if they have homework and make sure they do it before I get home’.
Is that too practical? To me that says I love you and want to take some of the stress off of you more than giving me a bouquet of roses ever will…not that I wouldn’t love the roses too!
The most creative romantic thing…drew me a bath after work and made sure I relaxed with a nice meal that he cooked.
Posted on February 14, 2012 at 10:04 pm.
You gotta love a man who draws his wife a bath and cooks!
Posted on February 14, 2012 at 10:58 pm.
My best Valentine’s Day gift was a day to myself (sans children), a great meal with hubby, and a fantastic night spent “gettin’ busy”!
Posted on February 14, 2012 at 10:04 pm.
My hubbie making me dinner, and staying at home, doing absolutely nothing but watching a good movie.
Posted on February 14, 2012 at 10:09 pm.
It’s the little things that are done daily through out the year that makes Valentine’s Day special.
Valentine’s Day is like the icing on the cake and the cherry on the sundae.
If he doesn’t do nice things all year round, then the big Valentine’s Day gestures mean nothing.
Posted on February 14, 2012 at 10:10 pm.
Wow – lots of comments, and following it on the atom feed isn’t working for me.
This year we went out last weekend because my dh’s working on a movie that comes out at the end of April. It’s a crazy time, right now, but he’s coming home “early,” which means he’ll be home 7-ish. I do wish we were having dinner at the Melting Pot because I love fondue, lol. Maybe for my birthday next month. But the best Valentine’s Day gift he ever gave me, was a card expressing his feelings. Now, if I could get him to do the laundry, lol.
Posted on February 14, 2012 at 10:13 pm.
LOL, Janae–yes, a husband who does laundry IS a plus.
Posted on February 14, 2012 at 11:00 pm.
So what do YOU think makes a wonderfully romantic Valentine’s Day? As I stated an evening with just me and my hubby, staying at home, cause I love my house, work and am out of it more than in it.
What would you love to have a guy do as a romantic gesture?
Really listen to what you like and make it about that.
How do you draw the line between stalkerish and romantic? Since I have never had a stalker, I would have no idea, but too much of a good thing is not a good thing!
What was the most creative romantic thing a guy ever did for you? Telling me we were going out for breakfast, and we drove to Las Vegas and got married. On our 35th year. Kretch1@
Posted on February 14, 2012 at 10:13 pm.
My husband is very romantic and bought me the best gift today – a Pandora like bracket with 3 charms. One says I Love You, another has gold and silver hearts and another says Celebrate Life!! He’s a keeper
Posted on February 14, 2012 at 10:16 pm.
Definitely a keeper!
Posted on February 14, 2012 at 11:00 pm.
Many comments on a post: may be good, depending on your point of view.
When your comment disappears and you never find our what Sabrina said to you because you know, you posted in the early AM: BAD!
Just sayin’.
Posted on February 14, 2012 at 10:21 pm.
B, there’s three pages of comments. It didn’t disappear. Just click back through the “older comments” ink at the bottom of the page to get to the first page.
I know, we’ve never gone to extra pages before! It threw me off on Sunday, too. It’s our first year with this system.
Posted on February 14, 2012 at 11:02 pm.
I would NEVER HAVE KNOWN! Like, ever! Thank you!!! And, pardon my ignorance
Posted on February 14, 2012 at 11:22 pm.
Hey, as I said, I really couldn’t figure it out at first. It’s never happened before!
Posted on February 15, 2012 at 1:01 am.
So what do YOU think makes a wonderfully romantic
I love it when my husband just remembers and sends or leaves me something special, like a card. He actually did propose properly to me on Valentines day. Meaning he actually asked me. He had sort of proposed before by showing the ring but never got the question out as his roommate, who should have been in class got home early.
Posted on February 14, 2012 at 10:21 pm.
I always think it’s so romantic when a guy proposes on Valentine’s Day.
Posted on February 14, 2012 at 11:03 pm.
My hubby is not the most romantic man going. However, one Valentine’s Day he gave me a card that he filled with his heart’s sentiments. It made me feel very loved. He is definitely my man unromantic warts’n'all!!
Posted on February 14, 2012 at 10:22 pm.
Hubby and I will be married for 23 years at the end of April and his standard response to “I love you,” is, “I’ll think about it.” But, this morning when a SUV tried to take out my car, he got out of bed (he works nights) and came to “rescue” me, even taking me to breakfast, instead of our lunch date. You know how they tell us writers, “show, don’t tell”? Same thing in real life, isn’t it? Hope you all had a great day!
Posted on February 14, 2012 at 10:33 pm.
That’s a lovely story, Julee! Give him a big kiss!
Posted on February 14, 2012 at 11:04 pm.
To me a perfect romantic gift is one that involves listening to the one you love and choosing places to go, gifts, etc. that let you know you really listen to them and want them to be happy!
Posted on February 14, 2012 at 10:40 pm.
My hubby is NOT good at romance. For instance, today he came home from work, walked halfway up the stairs, handed me a potted mini rose and said, “Happy Valentine’s Day, I’m going fishing.”
The best one for me was when I was in college, living alone and without a boyfriend. I was feeling very down because my best friend had just announced she and her hubby were expecting their first baby. I walked down to my mailbox expecting yet another bill. What I found was a beautiful Valentine from my daddy! It was my best Valentine’s day!
Posted on February 14, 2012 at 10:56 pm.
That is SO sweet! You have a wonderful dad.
Posted on February 14, 2012 at 11:05 pm.
while i’m not married or even seeing someone, for me, i’ve always had great parents who made sure my siblings and i always had something given to us to make us feel loved. most of the time it was a box of chocolates and a stuffed animal. must be where my stuffed animal collection comes from. and my love of pink hearts. lol.
Posted on February 14, 2012 at 11:04 pm.
Great parents make life worth living, I swear!
Posted on February 15, 2012 at 12:57 am.
A great Valentine’s day is doing anything as long as you are with the person you love~ quiet time together is sometimes better than a big night out. Our lives get so busy we often forget to slow down and appreciate those we love.
Posted on February 14, 2012 at 11:26 pm.
Flowers are wonderful, but they don’t have to be roses or expensive. A bit of really good dark chocolate is a must for me. Then something thoughtful, a nice card, diner together, nothing fancy.
Posted on February 14, 2012 at 11:29 pm.
This book sounds quite interesting especially the way you put it! Unfortunately there is no love life here–too complicated. I have some bigger fish to fry–as in so busy that I would forget its Valentines Day. Oh well! But cannot wait to read an expert of your book!
Posted on February 14, 2012 at 11:43 pm.
Eurika, there’s an excerpt on my website if you’re interested: at http://www.sabrinajeffries.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=books&pageID=102
Posted on February 15, 2012 at 12:58 am.
The thing i hate most it that im barley 19 and your part up when growing up that if you dont have a valantine for valanties day your nothing but a loser and everyone pitys you. And every year that passes i hate it more because the more you grow up girls make more of a big deal. In college girls fight and cry with their boyfriends and others show of their flowers and try to make others make them feel bad about themselfs. But the thing is that i want to have a good life and im going to culinary scholl so it is no jock with school and then work this day makes my life way more complicated then ever and can really go without it.
Posted on February 14, 2012 at 11:54 pm.
Don’t let them get you down–plenty of girls come into their own later in life than high school, trust me. Just pursue what you want to do with your life, and you’ll find someone when you’re not looking.
Posted on February 15, 2012 at 1:00 am.
I just want to see that they care. A heartfelt, “Happy Valentine’s Day, I love you!” works for me! Flowers would be nice though.
Posted on February 15, 2012 at 12:02 am.
Wow, thats alot of responses!!!! The single most romantic thing ever done for me was one time while watching and trying to help my now ex-husband while he tried to fix our car, he all of a sudden stoped what he has doing, turned the radio up and began to dance with me in our driveway. It was really late and our kids were asleep. I was so taken aback by it. He was not one for romatic gestures, well at least not to me. Maybe that is why it stands out so much. It was a rare moment and at the time ment everything to me that he was just happy to hold me through a few slow songs on the radio.
Posted on February 15, 2012 at 12:09 am.
That’s so sweet! And it’s those rare moments that really brighten our lives, isn’t it?
Posted on February 15, 2012 at 1:02 am.
Hope everyone had a nice Valentine’s day. Deb P
r.d1@myfairpoint.net
Posted on February 15, 2012 at 12:23 am.
I think what will makes valentine day romantic is to spend it with the one you love. A guy romantic gesture is simple just like open a car door for you or help to adjust your seat and chair:). I draws the line between stalkerish and romantic when they guy just simply say hi to you and stalkerish is when a guy annoyingly calls you, ask whom you with:(. The most creative romantic thing a guy give me is creating a stack of book in heart shapes:). Happy valentine to you guys:)
Posted on February 15, 2012 at 12:32 am.
To you, too, aretha!
Posted on February 15, 2012 at 1:03 am.
I think the best Valentines day ever is when my husband brings me home flowers and a card. I then make a special dinner for us and the kids then we just chill. Family to me
Posted on February 15, 2012 at 12:33 am.
I think pretty much doing anything for Valentines Day could be really romantic, even if it is just going out for dinner, or spending the night together. Though gifts are definitely appreciated, especially those of the chocolatey variety. I like your post, it’s funny, and I think I’d be horrible at giving Valentines Day advice as well. Thanks!
jessicamariesutton(at)msn(dot)com
Posted on February 15, 2012 at 12:35 am.
Glad you found it funny!
Posted on February 15, 2012 at 1:03 am.
I think the best Valentines day ever is when my husband brings me home flowers and a card. I then make a special dinner for us and the kids then we just chill. Family time to me is more special then going out. Happy valentines day to everyone.
Posted on February 15, 2012 at 12:36 am.
I think that the most important thing is spending quality time together.
Posted on February 15, 2012 at 12:38 am.
61 years ago my husband and I were married and began a
wonderful, loving journey through life.
Valentines Day, for me, is EVERYDAY. I have been told
everyday I am loved. I have had more bouquets than I can
count and as for candy I have had my share. We now have
to be careful of what we eat.
What I love are his warm arms around me and kisses that
tell me he is still glad we met and married.
Posted on February 15, 2012 at 12:57 am.
61 years is fabulous! Good for the two of you for having such a long, wonderful life together. I hope it continues for many more.
Posted on February 15, 2012 at 1:04 am.
Valentine’s Day is the worst holiday for a single woman… you would not believe the looks you get when you are asked what you are doing for valentines day and you say “nothing I am single” I hate it!
Posted on February 15, 2012 at 1:01 am.
I understand, I do. I was there once. Next time they ask, say, “I’m spending the day with my favorite person.” And leave it at that. Because you OUGHT to be your favorite person, right?
Posted on February 15, 2012 at 1:06 am.
My Valentine’s Day is simply being with those you love. In my case, hubby, son, bunny rabbit and the dogs.
Posted on February 15, 2012 at 1:04 am.
Yeah i see them and think of that were in college more than half these guys will be gone by next mounth let alone if we marry them. I get all the romance i need from your books and all my other goodie authors!
Posted on February 15, 2012 at 1:07 am.
Wow. There is almost 700 posts to this string. How cool is that?
Posted on February 15, 2012 at 1:10 am.
Pretty cool! But daunting!
Posted on February 15, 2012 at 10:20 am.
I just want some alone time with my Valentine, that’s all. No need for flowers of dinner out (until tomorrow anyway).
I’m sure my boyfriend had done really sweet and romantic things but I don’t think he has done so on Valentine’s Day.
Posted on February 15, 2012 at 1:15 am.
It doesn’t have to be on Valentine’s Day. Anything counts, IMO.
Posted on February 15, 2012 at 10:21 am.
My husband dislikes most of the associations of Valentine’s Day, so we keep things very simple. I like to make a treat for him: this year, I made a chocolate cup and filled it with whipped cream. And my son and I made him a card together.
Thinking of romantic things he’s done for me makes me remember one of our first dates, when I was cold and he gave me his jacket and used himself as a wind-break. I knew then he was a keeper.
Posted on February 15, 2012 at 1:21 am.
So sweet!
Posted on February 15, 2012 at 10:21 am.
My sweetie refuses to celebrate what he calls “Hallmark Holidays”. So, he hasn’t done anything since the first year we dated….when he gave me a set of wind chimes. Not flowers. Not chocolate. Wind chimes. I still have them, almost 30 years later.
What would be romantic? A back and foot massage.
Posted on February 15, 2012 at 1:27 am.
Jill, this is why it’s so important for people to pay attention to what their spouses like before giving them things. I don’t LIKE foot and back massages. I think I’m the only woman in the world who doesn’t.
Posted on February 15, 2012 at 10:23 am.
My husband has the same anti-hallmark holidays.He has given in a couple times, he knows how much i love dove milk chocolate and once in a while he’ll bring home the heart shaped ones
Posted on February 15, 2012 at 2:07 am.
date, flower, chocolate, gift, dinner and proposal, all wonderful things of V-Day
Posted on February 15, 2012 at 2:21 am.
While I DID get flowers, once and only once, and was romantic, not from my hubby though, I’d have to say the most romantic thing I can think of is moving into our house. 27 years ago on Valentine’s Day there was enough snow here hubby couldn’t get to work. Sometime after noon they got the car unstuck, and we just started loading it up and moving our things into our, at that time, new house. We were totally moved in by that evening since we had very little to move, slept on the floor since the waterbed was still to cold to sleep on, but we DID move in that day. I NEVER in a gazillion years thought I’d ever live any one place for more than 5 years (never had my entire life before then) and to think we’ve been in this same house for 27 years blows me away!!! So yeah, now I can say it was probably the most romantic thing he ever did. At the time I was young and probably wanted flowers or something, I’m much smarter now! LOL
Posted on February 15, 2012 at 3:23 am.
Yep, a house for Valentine’s Day is DEFINITELY romantic!
Posted on February 19, 2012 at 2:44 pm.
Climbing through my bedroom window with a rose between his teeth – stalkerish.
Calling me up to go for coffee & presenting me with a rose – romantic.
Posted on February 15, 2012 at 3:49 am.
Romantic? I do think a proposal would be great, but my dh proposed on a cold night in January. One year he made me the most romantic dinner at home with several courses, the table set with candles, wine waiting when I got home.
Posted on February 15, 2012 at 3:52 am.
What makes the best Valentine’s Day is having the guy you married year ago, tell you “I still love you today”. There have been years we could afford to do nothing but we still had each other. I’ll take the committment any day. It took 32 years for my husband to figure out what I like to give me something special. But that did not mean I didn’t appreciate the other valentine days when I got one silk rose. It is the thought that counts.
Posted on February 15, 2012 at 4:05 am.
Some men are just slow learners, that’s all. It doesn’t mean they’re not wonderful. I’ve been with mine for almost 28 years, so I agree on the commitment thing!
Posted on February 19, 2012 at 2:45 pm.
Romantic Valentine’s day – haven’t got a clue since i’m single…..lol. To me it’s just another day in the year….
Posted on February 15, 2012 at 9:42 am.
Valentines day. It really is just another day. My hubby and I always get a little something for each other. Mostly I ask for books. He says things like socks. I love him and he knows it. I don’t need a day to celebrate it. We do that all year!
Mary
Posted on February 15, 2012 at 10:52 am.
It is certainly true that my definition of what is romantic has changed a bit through the years. When I was younger and I got engaged on Valentine’s Day I thought that was very romantic, now flash forward 17 years and the fact that my husband cooked dinner last night now fits my definition of romance. I hope everyone had a very happy Valentine’s Day no matter what your definition of romance is at the moment!
Posted on February 15, 2012 at 11:26 am.
Cooking is definitely ALWAYS romantic!
Posted on February 19, 2012 at 2:46 pm.
I don’t think anyone has the “right” answer for what’s romantic. We usually don’t exchange anything for Valentine’s Day as we are still paying off Christmas.
But I had a gift leftover – its a heated seed starter for my husband’s gardening hobby – and it had been hidden under the bed for Xmas and I didn’t find it, so he got that yesterday. 
I think its the little things daily that prove love vs a firework display on one day and being ignored the rest of the year.
Posted on February 15, 2012 at 12:05 pm.
I have loved following your stories. I hope I’m going to get the ones I don’t have from my sweetie for Valentine’s Day!!
Posted on February 15, 2012 at 12:53 pm.
I hope you do, too!
Posted on February 19, 2012 at 2:46 pm.
My husband (second marriage) proposed to me on Valentine’s Day. Twenty-two years later, it continues to make Valentine’s day a very special day for me.
Posted on February 15, 2012 at 2:02 pm.
Just having a nice quiet day & night with my hubby is my most favorite thing to do for Valentines day. We omly need each other, no frills!
Posted on February 15, 2012 at 7:01 pm.
i suck at buying gifts for my dh! I just buy him a big bag of M&M’s and he is happy.
Posted on February 15, 2012 at 9:07 pm.
Just spending time alone with each other is nice. A glass of wine and a movie we both like. I don’t expect much and am happy with just anything that my husband does on his own. Five days after valentines day is our anniversary, It will be 40 years this year.
Posted on February 15, 2012 at 9:20 pm.
Congrats on 40 years together! That’s quite an achievement.
Posted on February 19, 2012 at 2:47 pm.
Fortunately my husband cooks for me regularly (might be self-defense since I tend to get engrossed in my book and forget I am supposed to watch the stove/oven). We tend to just spend the day enjoying each other.
Posted on February 15, 2012 at 11:07 pm.
I am always just happy when my hubby brings home chocolates to surprise me once and a while or planning a movie night. I am not a fussy person and I do not expect the huge romantic gestures
Posted on February 15, 2012 at 11:17 pm.
Spending time with loved ones is the best. Valentines day is actually a sad day for my family as it is the day of an accident that took my sisters life at 23 years old. So we really don’t get into it anymore, we buy the chocolates and stuff for the kids and each other but we are all in remembrance of her. I think people let valentines day stree you, it’s best to just flow with it instead of letting it make you crazy. I love yourbooks and all you do! Thank you.
Posted on February 16, 2012 at 1:26 am.
Aww, Kelly, I’m so sorry to hear that. It must make Valentine’s Day very rough.
Glad you enjoy the books.
Posted on February 19, 2012 at 2:49 pm.
Well, as a wife of ten years and 2 kids, time alone isn’t at all possible. I could ask for a beach scene, candlelite, roses, or jewelry, but I love the little things. Him taking time with the kids to make gifts for me not buying them. Having them make dinner. Or a simple I love you, with a loving embrace.im a simple country, I need no shiny expensive things, all I ask for is love. Hearing I love you from someone special is the greatest gift I could receive.
Posted on February 16, 2012 at 4:49 am.
Hey Sabrina
You know me so I think for me it would be nice and romantic if he did something for me. I don’t really like alot of flowers or candy but since I’m the mother of 9+ kids I’d loveit if my husband would send me to get the pampered treatment at a spa and then give me a brand new book and send me off to relax and read while he took care of the kids and fixed me dinner, then fed and bathed the kids and put them to bed before taking me to bed. Sigh, it sounds so good.
Z
Posted on February 16, 2012 at 9:53 am.
That DOES sound good! You need to get a friend to hint that to him. Some men don’t think of these things.
Posted on February 19, 2012 at 2:50 pm.
My oldest son and daughter-in-law were married on Feb 14. How romantic is that? He is in grad school right now, but on break, I suggested that they take a mini vacation- a wine tour in Northern Israel, as they are living in Israel right now. Something I would have liked to do b4 kids.
Posted on February 16, 2012 at 8:37 pm.
I would love to take inspiration from some of the romance novels I have read and take a bath with my hubby, but our tub is too small and is NOT in the master bath, but in the hall one. Too much info for my sons.
Posted on February 16, 2012 at 8:39 pm.