10 Romantic Yet Inexpensive Valentine’s Day Ideas: A Gentlemen’s Guide To Romance.

With Valentine’s Day just days away, the amount of Valentine’s Day articles, suggestions, advise, do’s and don’ts, and media mentions is both overwhelming and to some extent, comical.

In lieu of a fitness, nutrition, or health related post, this week I thought I would focus on wellness; wellness specific to relationships. Even more specific, gentlemen that are in such relationships, whether married, engaged, or dating.

If you Google Valentine’s Day (as I did), it states that it’s a day for the exchange of tokens of affection.

Call me crazy or perhaps it’s just me (which I doubt) but, if that’s the definition of Valentine’s Day than it appears I seem to be celebrating Valentine’s Day every day. The words I love you, you look great or beautiful or sexy, or a welcome home hug or kiss, or cuddling up on the sofa watching TV or a movie or reading together. These are all tokens of affection, are they not? Tokens of affection I express on a daily basis.

These are all things that quite frankly (gentlemen) we should be doing on a regular basis not because we have to, but because we want to. A gentleman after all is defined as a chivalrous, courteous, honorable man. Fellas, we are gentlemen, are we not? If not, perhaps it’s time.

So, Valentine’s Day is upon us. Roses, chocolates, and jewelry are all certainly cliche and unfortunately to some extent, have become the norm and associated with this day of exchanging tokens of affection.

There’s certainly nothing wrong whatsoever with these gestures. If I may though, I would like to offer up some alternate suggestions and ideas when it comes to what tokens of affection you decided upon to give to your wife, fiance, girlfriend, or partner this year.

You don’t have to spend an outrageous amount on flowers, or chocolates, or jewelry, again, unless that’s your thing and you want to, that’s completely fine. Sometimes though, it’s the little things that take thought and effort, and cost you little to nothing that delivers more of a message of love to your significant other than any of these other fancy and expensive gifts that took little thought, little effort, and hold no sentimental value.

If you are one of the millions who participates in exchanging your token of affection on Valentine’s Day, it certainly shouldn’t and doesn’t have to come at the expense of leaving a huge hole in your wallet.

Personally, I am one of the millions who does partake in the Valentine’s Day tradition of giving and do look forward to doing something special for my girlfriend in addition to similar acts and gestures throughout the year and advise all gentlemen to do so as well if they aren’t already.

I can tell you I won’t be paying three times the usual amount for a dozen roses, that’s absurd. I do on the other hand have some pretty cool plans for Valentine’s Day that won’t consist of flowers, chocolates, or jewelry. Romance needn’t be expensive.

Here Are 10 Romantic Yet Inexpensive Valentine’s Day Ideas To Consider:

1. Make your own card instead of buying one (use paper, glue, crayons, markers, whatever it takes).
2. Cook them their favorite meal (just try, doesn’t have to be perfect).
3. Draw them a bath (throw in the extras too….. bubbles, candles, music, champagne, etc).
4. Give them a massage (you don’t have to be a professional masseuse).
5. Play “your” song or their favorite love song and asked them to dance at home after dinner.
6. Write them a note listing the top 10 things you love about them.
7. If you’re going to buy flowers, make it a single long stem rose.
8. Bring them their favorite breakfast in bed.
9. Leave them a love note either by the bed, in their briefcase, in their lunch bag, etc.
10. Take them dancing (even if one or both of you have two left feet).

I know, I know….I can hear it already. Mike, this sounds great and all but this just isn’t the type of relationship we have. I’m too busy, I don’t have the time, I don’t know how to give a massage or make a card or I’m a terrible writer. All excuses, none of which hold any value. Make the effort, make the time. They’re worth it, you’re worth it, and the relationship you have together is worth it.

Yes, maybe doing any one of these things I mentioned above isn’t in your character and maybe your  significant other will look at you like you’re nuts and you’ve lost your mind or wonder if you’ve been drinking because it’s not your norm. That’s a good thing. Step out of your comfort zone, you may just be surprised at all the potential good to come your way by doing so.

“All Men Have A Sweetness In Their Life. That Is What Helps Them Go On. It Is Towards That They Turn When They Feel To Worn Out.”

– Albert Camus –