Q. My girlfriend and I have been together for years. We are both looking forward to Valentine’s Day, just like many other love birds are. The only problem is that Valentine’s Day is the last day we will get to spend together for months. I signed up for the Army and I am being sent off to boot camp the morning after V-Day. I’m not much of a romantic, but I would like to make this Valentine’s Day special for the both of us and give her the perfect present. Got any ideas?
A. The first and best piece of advice I could give you would be to think of red, pink, and white instead of camouflage on Valentine’s Day. Avoid the topic of you being shipped off to boot camp the next day altogether. Make this Valentine’s Day a happy and romantic time instead of dwelling on the unhappy inevitable.
Plan a creative and enjoyable date doing what you two love doing the most. Whether it’s having a picnic at the park or just going to the movies, spend a lot of time together. Even though Valentine’s Day may require a lot of dreaded planning on a guy’s part, try not to make a stressful situation on your last day to spend with your girlfriend. Don’t spend Valentine’s Day preparing for boot camp; spend it focusing on the girl you care a lot about.
Treat your girlfriend like a princess on Valentine’s Day. For the months you are gone, she will be left with a great impression of you and great memories of spending your last day together. I’m sure your girlfriend would still be happy if you didn’t end up getting her a present. Most guys are under the impression that girls want presents on Valentine’s Day. Even though some girls want flowers and candy, there’s a majority of us that don’t. Pretty red roses end up dying, balloons end up deflating and picking out the few flavors you like out of a box of assorted chocolates gets tiresome after a while. Even the candy message hearts that read “Be Mine,” “I’m Yours” and “E-mail me” start to taste like chalk after awhile.
However, if you insist on getting her a present for Valentine’s Day, a puppy would be a good idea. A little toy poodle, maltese, or yorkie makes a girl’s best friend. A puppy would also keep her company while you are gone. So start looking for puppies in the classifieds and have a Happy Valentine’s Day!
Michelle Clark is a senior in elementary education. Send your relationship questions to [email protected].