Valentine's Day tips

According to a recent survey conducted by leading pen manufacturer Pilot Pen, “more than 60 percent of survey respondents consider a handwritten love note more romantic than expensive dinners, crème-filled chocolates and diamond baubles. However, nearly half haven’t received a love note in more than a year, with mobile devices reducing heartfelt expressions to “U r Gr8” and ‘I <3 u.’”

Pilot Pen took the consistent thought right out of my head. I am positive that I am not the only one of my peers who will say that love letters come few and far between this generation, and the one(s) that come is nothing more than a scribbled “luv u babe.”

As a struggling college student in a troubled economy, this should be music to men’s ears, but due to a case of selective hearing, the majority will opt for flowers and chocolates while the thoughtless remainder will choose lingerie.

It’s Just Lunch, a personalized matchmaking service for busy professionals, surveyed more than 750 single men and women on a range of Valentine’s topics, finding that chocolate and lingerie were least wanted by women, with 5.2 percent and 1.6 percent rating it as good gift ideas.

“Men believed that flowers remain a Valentine’s Day staple, with 43 percent of male respondents saying a bouquet is the best gift. However, women answered quite differently — almost 38 percent said that the best gift is a certificate for an activity that a couple can enjoy together. In fact, only 30 percent of women thought flowers were the best Valentine’s Day gift,” the Feb. 7 PR Newswire ‘It’s Just Lunch Dating Survey Debunks Valentine’s Day Myths’ said.

Creative, caring ideas require brainstorming and time. The already daunting task becomes even more difficult on account of such little experience with chivalrous romance; therefore, I decided to ease the pain with a list of sweet suggestions.

1. Instead of tuning out your professor with Facebook, do something more productive. Grab a pen and paper and write – emphasis on write – why you are with your beau? Does he make you laugh? Is it her personality that drew you in, or her gorgeous blue eyes? Then hide the note where that special someone will find it.

2. If you just cannot fathom the thought of inking your feelings then the let Cardstore.com create a “Little You,” which personalizes a card that reflects your unique relationship.

3. While No. 3 is my favorite option, it is also the most tedious one. Grab a basket at JoAnn Fabrics and fill it with the stuff your partner loves. Think inexpensive raffle basket filled with candy (your honey’s favorite, of course), a sweet card or collage and hand-made coupons that can only be redeemed by you.

On a side note — if you comprise a portion of the overwhelming majority of singles, I would rethink sending that “Happy Valentine’s Day” text to your girlfriend – the text alerts on Feb. 14 can be brutal.