Two years ago, I bought a package of those tiny little valentine cards like the ones I used to give away when I was in elementary school. I wrote short, sweet sayings on each one; then, I hid them in places I knew she would look during the day and the following week. She found all but one and I could not remember where I'd hidden them all so we could not find it. A few weeks or months later she was surprised by the lost valentine. Bonus!

Don't remember if it was for Valentine's Day, Christmas, or her birthday, but one year I gave the girl I was dating four coupons that she could redeem anytime within the next year: one for a meal cooked by me, one for me washing her car inside and out, one for washing her windows, and one for a night of fun at my expense.

This is a good thread to incorporate into the singles bar.....how about some of these kinds of ideas over there?

I'm currently "without a she", to borrow a phrase from Saphire, but I haven't dated in 11+ years (marriage got in the way for awhile) and am WAY out of practice! I could use some tips on what single women are like these days.

I was definitely the more romantic of the two of us, but a failed marriage doesn't exactly tell me that I was romantic enough or maybe I was too romantic.....anyway, what do ADULT single women want these days?

Saphire, you said you have munchkins? Me, too. How has that affected dating, etc? I can't imagine introducing my "girlfriend" (if I had one) to my kids.

Buddy - Congrats on even knowing that V Day is this month! You're way ahead of my guy. He will probably be calling the florist Monday morning when all the other women start getting flowers.

Gift ideas - Z's idea is the best! I have done it for my man, but if he did it for me I would be really touched (and shocked!) My other favorite gift is tasteful satin pjs. If you are somewhere warm, it would be neat if you picked a romantic spot and had a picnic.

Flowers - Personally I like to get flowers other than roses that maybe he remembered I like - like tulips, calla lillies, or orchids. Maybe an entire bouquet in her favorite color. Or what about getting the same flowers that were used at your wedding? It shows you put some thought into it.

FP - I think that women are looking for a mental connection. I tend to fall for guys who challenge my intellect, make me think, and show interest in who I am. It is amazing how many people you can have a conversation with and they never ask you anything about yourself. I think it's important to show true interest in getting to know someone and it can be fun too. Ask about the craziest thing she did in college or her most embarrassing moment. If you are the romantic type, you probably already know all this. I can't imagine that a guy could ever be too romantic.

Although I am a firm believer in that diamonds are a girl's best friend, you can only wear so much without looking ridiculous.

Buddy, I would want the dinner thing, and if you go out a lot, stay at home and make a wonderful dinner; if you stay home a lot, make reservations a real cozy place (with nice food).

Give her that romantic homemade card while you are having cocktails.

Oh, and the flowers, bring them home, surprise her (leave a little early) and ring the doorbell. I get embarassed when I get flowers at the office.

Yahoo poll found that most women want active gifts, like spa or weekend getaways (check to see if she wants it with or without you), and men want gadgets.

I'm with Joker on this one, I'd love a new horse! But since there's no boyfriend in sight I guess I'm out of luck.

I guess if there was a boyfriend that was willing and because my taste in horses is more expensive than my taste in jewelry ...I'd settle for diamonds. I'm also a busy single mom, so ANY pampering (spa, massage, dinner out) is greatly appreciated.

Love the Avatar, JLJ! How's the house coming?

"Yahoo poll found that most women want active gifts, like spa or weekend getaways (check to see if she wants it with or without you), and men want gadgets."

I thought she was the gadget.

Are you the same Anon who just posted that you wanted a ticket to the Black Dahlia movie that portrays a 13 year old having sex? I am usually an advocate for posters to register, but in your case, I'll make an exception--you should stay Anonymous.

My husband tells me every day that he loves me, and hasn't missed one yet, in 14 yrs.

One year,(I can't rememeber the occassion) I walked in from work and found the house in darkness with only one candle lit beside the front door. Beside the candle, there was a note saying to follow the roses. There was a trail of roses to the bathroom where my husband was with a bath drawn and candles everywhere. In the bathtub, there were rose petals. He gave me a luxurious bath and then afterward gave me a very nice massage. This didn't cost much, but I will never forget it. He put a lot of time and thought into this gift, which meant to me that I was truly his valentine.

Now let's turn the tables...

What can I get (or do) for the man in my life? There is, of course, the obvious. But what else? What kind of cool place could I take him to? I want something different, fun, exciting...you know...

It has been my experience that what men want for Valentine's Day is the "obvious"!

But on a serious note...I sent flowers to a boyfriend on V-Day...once...not the effect I was hoping for.

It would be interesting to hear from the other side.

Thanks for all the great ideas everyone, I think that this will be a V-day that she will never forget.

Someone else, I think that "the obvious" is always a great gift no matter the occation.

you better believe it! And that goes for both parties!

Come on, all you GUYS out there!! Here is your opportunity to tell US what YOU want for Valentine's Day!! Anything???

Been with my man for 5 years - our first date was going out to dinner for Valentines Day as friends because neither of us had a significant other - so I made a reservation at the restaurant that we went to 5 years ago as a surprise for him this year - gonna also bring a bottle of the same wine that we had that night.....or maybe it was two bottles........

I hate valentine's day.

Better believe I will be throwing a "bitterness bash" at the singles bar on Monday.