yourself. “It doesn’t mean a lot if a guy just calls FTD and charges a delivery to his credit card,” says Alexander. “That takes no effort. Handpicking some wildflowers is a different story.” DO cook her dinner. Unless you are a complete disaster
in the kitchen, she’ll appreciate it — especially if you do the dishes afterward. “I know a woman whose husband lost his job, so he had
every reason not to feel romantic,” said Della Casa. “But on Valentine’s Day he made her breakfast in bed, then when she came home at night, he gave her a basket full of her favorite things — her favorite movie, some brownies he baked, a bottle of wine, and he made it into a movie night. “The year before she got diamonds, but she said she
liked this more than diamonds. So it just goes to show, a little thought goes a long way.”
CHANNEL YOUR INNER CYRANO It may not work for all women, but
some absolutely swoon when a man puts his feelings on paper. “For me personally, writing a poem is actually the most romantic thing a man could do for Valentine’s Day,” says Alexander. “It doesn’t have to be a Shakespeare sonnet, it’s the thought and sentiment that counts. As long as it’s from the heart, he’ll win my heart.” But Della Casa cautions women not to have
ROOKIE MISTAKES Other common blunders that will land a guy in the doghouse: Telling his woman he’ll celebrate Valentine’s Day on another day because he’s too busy on Feb 14. “Something small like a special card declaring your love for me with a ‘rain check’ celebration note is all you need to do,” says Alexander. Some dos and don’ts to remember: DON’T watch sports on Valentine’s Day unless your
woman is also a fan. DON’T buy her a gym membership, which could imply
you think she is out of shape. “That’s one that might get you killed!” says Della Casa. DO buy jewelry. Most women
appreciate tasteful gold and diamonds, like a simple diamond tennis bracelet. DO buy her a spa day. Being pampered
and having a day of relaxation is priceless. DO get her a gift certificate to a good department store.
This lets her choose exactly what she wants, yet is not as tacky as giving cash in a card. DO get her flowers. But don’t buy them. Pick them
unrealistically high expectations of their man: “Women have to remember a lot of guys aren’t the biggest romantics in the world. It’s just the way they are. It’s in a man’s nature to think of practical gifts instead of something frivolous and pretty. Making sure you have a new coat may not seem romantic, but it’s just his way of protecting you. You’ve got to cut him some slack!”
VALENTINE’S DAY FACTS T
hink you know all there is to know about Valentine’s Day? Test your knowledge about the day we celebrate
matters of the heart. There were at least three early Christian saints called
Valentine. But according to one legend, a Christian priest by that name in ancient Rome actually sent the first “Valentine” greeting himself. While in prison, he fell in love with a young girl, possibly his jailer’s daughter, who had visited him. The night before his execution on Feb. 14. he’s said to have written her a tender letter which he signed “From your Valentine.” About 85 percent of all Valentine’s Day cards are pur-
chased by women. About 1.9 billion cards are sent each year, second only to Christmas as a card-sending holiday. (About 2.6 billion cards are sent for Christmas.) About 15 million Valentine’s wishes were sent via email in 2010.
FEBRUARY 2012 | NEWSMAX MAXLIFE 77
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84 |
Page 85 |
Page 86 |
Page 87 |
Page 88 |
Page 89 |
Page 90 |
Page 91 |
Page 92