In America, "Valentine’s Day" is a wonderful holiday that ensures the
greeting card industry definitely doesn’t see a dip in sales during the month of February.
Of course, the florists are happy, too! It also serves to make husbands tremble at not
planning the perfect romantic evening, puts pressure on singles to feel bad that they
aren’t paired up yet, and makes chocoholics shake every time they walk into a store.

Japan’s tradition for celebrating Saint Valentine – The Girls buy the boys gifts (say
"chocolate"!) But, come March, the boys are expected to return the favor… with
interest! To make matters worse, a girl doesn’t pick one boy. She’s obliged (brainwashed?)
to give several–if only for camouflage. In offices, guys compete to see how many presents
they get.

In Australia the traditional Valentines celebration is a barbie where the men gather on
one side and the women on the other. After the men have talked about cars and engines and
girls have talked about babies and crochet patterns, the romance is continued at home.

Anybody know any more?

From: Randle Berlin <> 

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Some Tips for Valentine’s Day!

I’d like to wish everyone a Happy Valentine’s Day and remind you all to go out and get
something special for the lady in your life…This one’s  important, guys – whether
she admits it or not – and you better start making plans now! This can be a dangerous time
– If you do the wrong thing (or, you forget!), you could be in the doghouse for a while –
and you know what that means – so I thought I’d pass on a few tips…

Your Valentine’s gift will send a message about how much you value your relationship,
so it’s important to send the right message. It doesn’t need to be elaborate or expensive
but it should be attentive, thoughtful and caring. Show her that you are paying attention
and that she’s worth the effort.

Take the Time – Do NOT buy one of those pre-packaged candy boxes at the grocery store.
It tells her she was probably just an afterthought, or you just weren’t willing to make
the time to do something better.

DO go to a specialty store and hand pick all her favorite chocolates.

Do NOT send the "Valentine’s Day Special" from 1-800 flowers. It tells her
you have no imagination when it comes to your relationship.

DO go to your local florist and have them create a special bouquet of her favorite
flowers.

Pay Attention – Do NOT buy her gold if you know she likes silver – even if you really
like that gold necklace and it’s on sale. It will make her feel as if you’re not connected
because you don’t understand what she likes and doesn’t like. It will also make her
uncomfortable because you spent money on something she doesn’t want to wear.

DO buy her the silver bracelet that matches her favorite silver necklace. She’ll wear
it all the time and think of you every time.

Quality and Sincerity – Do NOT get a card from the drugstore featuring Willy the Walrus
declaring "I like you this much!" (unless you’re absolutely certain she adores
Willy the Walrus). It sends the message that you’re not serious or sincere about your
relationship.

DO get a beautiful, artistic blank card from a specialty card shop, open your heart and
compose your own message.

These are tips from the woman herself: Danni.