1. Plan Ahead

Anything you do, either just for your wife or involving the whole family, needs careful thought and preparation. Plan Valentine’s Day together, or surprise your person. Either way, it really is the thought that counts!

2. Make Valentine’s Day a family event if you have children

Here’s an alternative. Write cards to your children, encourage them to make gifts for their mother, and then schedule a family event where cards are read and family love stories are shared.

3. Write them a letter from your heart

Place the letter inside a romantic (but NOT sappy) card that demonstrates your consummate good taste. Here are 8 tips for writing your wife a love note to get you started.

4. Cook dinner at home

Cooking is not that difficult if you’re willing to *gasp* follow directions. Here’s the order of the evening:

• Make sure the children are at Grandma’s (unless you’ve opted for the family Love Feast).

• Plan your menu carefully.

• Make a flashy-looking menu.

• Flowers on the table (nothing expensive).

• Plan for the entire evening.

• No TV, unless it’s a movie you have thoughtfully planned.

• Under no circumstances does she do the dishes.

• Dessert and coffee, later.