When it comes to celebrating Valentine’s Day, it’s tougher if you’re a woman. The guy has it easy — buy some chocolate and/or flowers, pick out a card, and give them to his sweetheart. Done. But it can be very complicated and frustrating to figure out what to do for the man in your life on Valentine’s Day.

Ask Him

Perhaps we women over-complicate matters. Maybe we should just come right out and ask our sweeties what they expect for Valentine’s Day. I think women like to be romanced and surprised so much that they underestimate how much a man actually appreciates direct communication. This can be a simple question, “I know it’s customary to give chocolate on Valentine’s Day, but would you rather have something else?” or, “Is there something special I can do for you on Valentine’s Day?” You may be surprised by the answer.

Keep it Simple

Romance doesn’t have to be complicated. Too often men don’t even notice the subtle details of the effort we put into showing our love for them. It’s not that they don’t appreciate the effort; they just don’t naturally notice fine details the way we do (like the way we scrutinize one another’s outfits — men don’t do that to each other). Think again before spending the time making a card covered in delicate hand tied bows that took hours to tie; a card that he quickly reads, says thanks, and it’s over and you’re disappointed he isn’t gushing over the little details the way your girlfriend did when you made her a similar card at her baby shower. Yes, make him a card, but focus on what matters to him. Get the point across of, “I love you. I am attracted to you. I adore you.” Skip the stuff he won’t even notice.

A Little Romance Goes a Long Way

Tie a heart-shaped balloon to the front door. Put a little love note in his briefcase or lunch. Leave a heart-shaped note with “Happy Valentine’s Day” on his car window. Whatever you decide to do, it’s those little things that do get his attention (but obvious little things, remember guys can be oblivious to subtle details).

A Man’s Heart Loves Good Food

We’ve all heard it and we all know it’s true: the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. But that doesn’t mean you have to be an excellent cook, either. Sure a man loves a home cooked meal made with love, but in today’s modern age a man just loves good food regardless of who made it. Either way, you can’t go wrong with focusing on providing him with a meal he loves from his love. You can skip the chocolate and focus on meat and potatoes (or Chinese, or pizza, or whatever he prefers).

Valentine’s Day is Really About Women

Okay, let’s get completely honest. Valentine’s Day is about women. All the flowers, chocolates, frilly cards, and fancy dinners say Valentine’s Day is about women. And you know what? Your man already knows that. He just wants your attention and your appreciation for his efforts to make the occasion special for you. So rather than getting stressed about what to get him or do for him to celebrate the holiday, focus on enjoying him, reveling in the romance, and showing your appreciation. Now that is what your man really wants for Valentine’s Day.

(Original photo by Knivesout, used under Creative Commons license.)