5 Ways to Get What You Want for Valentine's Day

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Your shrink wants you to come out and "just ask" for what you want. Humph. Where's the neurotic, passive-aggressive fun in that? Below, some sneaky, hint-dropping tips for getting what you really want this Valentine's Day. Because love means never having to say "it's the thought that counts."

1. Pretend to Care What He Wants

The easiest way to remind your partner of the existence of any holiday is to ask him what he wants for it. But the question also doubles as a prompt to volley the query back.

2. Use Your Browser as a Billboard

Leave the Web page open on your shared computer or iPad to that perfect little clutch or piece of jewelry you've been coveting. Or start a Pinterest Board titled something innocuous like "Things I Will Die Without This Valentine's Day."

3. Crass Commercialization is Your Friend

Give your TiVo a rest and let the commercials play. Ads for department store sales and jewelry boutiques afford plenty of opportunities for subtle comments like "Wow, that's a gorgeous necklace" or "Nothing says 'I love you, [insert your name here]' like a brand new nine-iron.'"

4. Flag Catalogs or Magazines

Use Post-Its to mark the pages of items you're pining for in a catalog or magazine. Make sure the notes stick out of the publication obviously, and consider writing a note (as though to yourself) expressing acquisitive zeal ("Must have!" or "Perfect with purple dress!"). Then leave the periodical in an obvious place-like in the bathroom mag rack, or open over his face while he naps.

5. Use Your Friends

He's not above the occasional round of Keeping up with the Joneses. Gush over a gift a friend received, and be specific. Something along the lines of, "Ugh, Darla won't stop bragging about the vintage locket Ted got her." Also, make sure he's actually listening (and not, for example, just smiling and nodding while watching the game).

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