Valentine's Day Card

Valentine's Day is less than a week away, and it's time that your planning hits high gear. You will want to make sure you pick up your Valentine's Day card in the next day or two before the good ones are all gone.

But what makes a good Valentine's Day card? That depends. It depends on your relationship, your partner, your style and your 'mushiness factor'. Let's face it, not everyone goes for those syrupy-sweet over the top cards.

Here's what I suggest:

1. Find something that says how you REALLY feel. If you can't find a card, make one. If you're going to make a card, pick out somethings cute or funny from the card store to show that the thought was there, but the store didn't have a card that said exactly what you wanted. (It also doesn't make it look like you forgot and had to make a card to avoid coming up empty).

2. Know what you want to accomplish. Depending on where you are in your relationship, something funny, light and cute may be the right direction. If your relationship is struggling, communicate thoughts of love, commitment and your desire to be together.

3. Don't go too heavy. Again, depending on where you are in the relationship - you want to make sure you communicate your feelings appropriately. For new relationships - be careful that you don't sound like a stalker. For troubled relationships - fine something to express your feelings without sounding like your grovelling. Newlyweds...find something that says you're glad you married her.

4. Don't go too light. If she's looking for some romance, a Hoops and Yo-yo card isn't going to cut it.

5. Get to the store ASAP, before the good cards are all gone.

Tomorrow: Flowers? Candy? We'll look at trends in Valentine's Day gift giving.

Stay in touch -

Mark