What Not to Do on Valentine’s Day

There are plenty of expected behaviors on cupid's annual holiday. For anyone in a romantic relationship, they might include enjoying an intimate dinner for two, gifting a loved one with candy or flowers, or both. But there are some things that should just not be done on February 14, including the following 10 no-nos.


1. Attempt going out to dinner without a reservation.
Whether you're celebrating with a sweetheart or simply looking for dinner made by someone else, attempting to dine out without advance notice is not the best idea. Since Valentine's Day is the busiest evening of the year for most restaurants, you're likely to have to wait for hours to get a table. If your stuck without a reservation and need a dinner to impress, pickup takeout and spruce it up at home with candles and music, which is probably more romantic anyway.


2. Show up late for a dinner reservation at a restaurant.
This is one night when the host will be quick to give up your table if you're more than 10 minutes late. If you cannot make your reservation on time, call the restaurant. If you're very lucky, they'll hold the table for you.


3. Forget to give your sweetie a romantic acknowledgement.
Yes, it's a holiday that inspires contrived gestures of adoration. But if you don't offer some token of appreciation, you will certainly spend more time and money making it up to your sweetie.



4. Try to order flowers to be delivered.
Unless you have a trustworthy relationship with your florist, don't even think about ordering flowers on February 14. With a gazillion deliveries ahead of them, chances of errors or even the inability to deliver are very possible. If you're looking for a bouquet this late in the game, better to pick it up and deliver it yourself.


5. Shop for jewelry.
If you head out looking for a bauble on February 14, you will not only have to fight crowds for attention at the jewelry counter. You'll also be left with the dregs passed over by the more premeditative romantics, making it likely that you'll have to spend more to get something good.

6. Unintentionally create the erroneous expectation of a proposal.
It's tricky to be romantic and not lead someone on, but if you've got a partner who is waiting for a proposal from you and you know you are not planning to step up with one, be careful what you say and plan leading up to and on the big day. There's nothing less romantic than being woefully underwhelmed and disappointed.


7. Break up.
While Valentine's Day can emphasize that the loving feeling has been lost, there's no reason to put a permanent black mark on the romance holiday for your significant other, even if you know your relationship is doomed. If you feel the urge to cut the cord, you've got 364 other days to do it.


8. Work late if you're in a relationship.
Some partners don't mind being left alone on this commercial holiday, but it's still nice to spend an evening together. Valentine's Day eve is one time when you might want to put off until tomorrow what you could do today.


9. Forget to take the receipt off grocery store flowers.
There's nothing wrong with flowers from the local market. But there is a problem with bestowing them with the $7.99 price tag left on the side. Since it's the thought that counts, you can and should be thoughtful enough to take off the price tag.


10. Give a practical gift.
Unless yours is the rare lover who adores getting a Swiffer or screwdriver as a gift, it's better to bestow practical items on your sweetie another time.



More from Kaboodle:
Find Your Dream Wedding Dress
Cheap and Easy Ways to Decorate Your Pad
Punch Up Your Décor with Color

The Hottest Nail Polishes of the Season
The Most Awesome Coffee Mugs and Tea Cups

Subtle and On-Trend Animal Prints
LBDs for Every Occasion
The Most Comfortable (and Fashionable!) Flats


Connect with Kaboodle:
Follow us on Twitter!

Like us on Facebook!
Become part of our savvy shopping community