8 Valentine’s Day Etiquette Essentials From the Emily Post Institute

Valentine’s Day is a wonderful time to tell your loved ones how grateful you are and what do they really mean to you. Let’s make sure the upcoming evening with your darling goes nice and smooth. Here are 8 valuable etiquette recommendations from Anna Post.**

1. Decide who is in charge of Valentine’s Day arrangements

Although the setup of Valentine’s Day was man’s responsibility in the past, these days it is an equal-opportunity endeavor.

If you decide to take charge, remember to make restaurant reservations in advance if you plan to go out for dinner. Well-known and the most popular places will be booked up well before the special day. If you have kids, keep in mind that you have to arrange for a babysitter.

2. Remember the Card

The earlier you buy the card, the better. Don’t postpone it to the last minute when only the cheesiest and most ridiculous greeting cards are left in stock.

3. Say it with a Nice Flower Bouquet

Men should keep in mind, that buying flowers for a significant other or a spouse is always the best choice. Classic bouquet of red roses is a symbol of passion and love. Pink, yellow, and white each send various messages of admiration, happiness, and friendship. If you wonder whether there is something better than roses, the answer is yes. If you know the recipient’s taste and her favorite kind of flower you can safely pick this one.

4. No place for mobile phone

You probably know that etiquette experts recommend turning off up your cell phone when on a date. Even if usually you prefer to disregard this advice, Valentine’s Day is The Day to embrace it and switch your mobile off. When you are on a romantic dinner with the loved one, the least you can do is to give her your undivided attention. Don’t spoil the intimate evening by reacting on every call or making it worse and  sending text replies. Turn off the phone and put it back in your purse or pocket, no need to leave it on the table.

5. Don’t make paying for dinner an issue

It is absolutely normal to split the bill nowadays. But in case you are in doubt, follow the ‘whoever does the asking, does the paying’ rule.

Some women don’t like having their meal paid for, some do. There is no one definitive answer anymore, but there is a safe and polite way to handle the paying. The most important thing to do is to establish how the check will be paid in advance, before your waiter is here to take the money.

Both in the couple can offer to pay or chip in, but make sure you don’t fight over the bill. You don’t want to distract your partner from the evening and put the focus on money.

6. A special something can be little

You don’t need to spend a lot of money to get a meaningful gift. In case you are on a low budget, you might want to cook dinner at home instead of going to a fancy place. Buy nice looking box of candies, it can easily set the tone for a romantic evening. For stronger “Valentine’s day effect”, play “your song” over dessert or see a sentimental movie to watch after the dinner.

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 7. How are your manners?   

You can be absolutely sure, the last thing your special someone wants to see on Valentine’s day is you chewing with your mouth open or using your fork as if you were holding a weapon.

Guys might want to revisit the gentlemen’s code and pull out her chair, hold the door and be ready to initiate dinner conversation.

 8. Ignoring Valentine’s Day is never the best option

Even when you know that your lover is not the biggest Valentine’s Day fan don’t miss the chance to appreciate her or him. After all this day is the celebration of love and friendship, and if that’s not a perfect cause to please the person you adore, what is?

Do you have questions about  Valentine’s Day Etiquette Essentials or you think we forgot to mention something important? Come talk to us! We are looking forward to hearing from you!;)

** Anna Post is a spokeswoman of the Emily Post Institute, an organization that promotes etiquette and civility in America and around the world.