What Would Saint Valentine Do?

Once upon a time a well-meaning boy presented his sweet-tempered girlfriend a Valentine’s Day gift. She tore the pink wrapping paper, anticipating something special, something meaningful amongst chocolate candies wrapped in red foil.

She smiled, “What is it?”

He smiled, “You’ll see.” At the bottom of a barren box, coiled like a snake, was a belt.

“Are you serious?”

“What? What’s wrong?”

Tears filled her eyes.

“Don’t you like it? I saw you looking at it at Hollister.”

“How could you give me a belt for Valentine’s Day?”

Well, that’s embarrassing. To save yourself from a Valentine’s Day mishap such as this, take a moment and ask yourself, “What would St. Valentine do?” Would the patron saint of love, young people, and happy marriages present his girlfriend with a belt? No!

You’ll find this a useful tool while making all your Valentine Day plans.

Gentlemen

• Would Saint Valentine wear more jewelry than his date? No! (Put the gold chain away, boys.)

• Would Saint Valentine buy someone a live animal – a kitty, a puppy, a fish? No! (That’s the equivalent of buying someone more stress and responsibility.)

• Would Saint Valentine treat his date to a nice dinner, open the car door, and tell her over and over how lovely she is? Heck yes! (On Valentine’s Day a woman wants to feel special and classy – that means no round of shots, mister).

Ladies

• Would Saint Valentine respect you if you wore that red, faux leather mini skirt on sale at TJ Maxx? No! (It’s 12 degrees!)

• Would Saint Valentine want you moping around the house in sweatpants watching a Hallmark flick? No! (Send Valentines to loved ones, treat yourself to something special, and sip on a fruity cocktail with other single friends).

• Would Saint Valentine appreciate a woman who lives for the moment? Heck yes! (Ladies, even if he buys you a belt, an iTunes gift card, or a George Foreman Grill, exhale and say “Thank you.” Though you long for red roses, a glittery bracelet, even a teddy bear that says “I love you beary much” when squeezed, some men are under the wild assumption we appreciate useful gifts. Cut him some slack.)