The Valentine Plan:A day by day schedule to wowing your sweetheart

The Valentine Plan:
A day by day schedule to wowing your sweetheart

By Paul A. Falzone

Having an extraordinary Valentine's Day is possible, and planning is the means. But don't let your dearest know what you're up to-surprise and mystery are two of romance's finest helpers.

BEFORE FEBRUARY 1ST
Be subtle, remember-maintain the mystery--but start right now to pay special attention to what he/she really likes-what gets him/her energized? Is there a place he/she loves to go? Is there an activity, like hiking, playing Frisbee, window shopping, visiting art galleries, going to a car show that really turns his/her crank? What are his/her favorites-colors, hobbies, food/drink, restaurants, actors, writers, animals, and plants? Discreetly start making notes NOW-you'll need the information to adeptly play the strings of your beloved's heart.

Check out the galleries in your area. Are they showing art that might appeal to your darling? Start checking the schedule of sporting events, opera, theatre, ballet and concerts-consider classical, jazz, blues, in the area. Sitting together sharing a performance, whether drama, athletic, musical or comedy, can be very romantic. Performance tickets are just the thing to surprise your sweetie-buy tickets early to get dreamy seats in the balcony or box.

If you'd like to get a weekend away somewhere, plan it now. You could go skiing, to the beach, mountains or historic destination. Many inns and B&B's offer special sweetheart weekend deals, but you must book early to get the Jacuzzi suite. Keep your getaway a secret from your partner. Covertly check his/her schedule to avoid conflict.

BETWEEN FEBRUARY 1ST AND 12TH
Pamper yourself. When you're feeling in tip-top form you exude confidence, which is very attractive. Men and women have stress pent up from many parts of their lives-release it! Long hot soaks in the tub are beneficial to everyone-get some aromatherapy bath salts to stimulate your feelings of relaxation and passion. Manicures and massages are also beneficial to both sexes. When you're relaxed, you're hard to resist. Not to mention how good you'll look. Especially if you want to hold hands that Wednesday, get a manicure. A haircut might put some zest back in your step-don't try anything too radical right now-just get a trim.

Remember those covert notes you've been gathering? Now you can use them in a variety of ways. Make a card with his/her favorite animals, colors, writers included. You don't have to write the poetry-find a passage you like and use it. Give it to your love on the 14th.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 9TH TO FRIDAY, THE 16TH
Why not let the celebration of love last a week? But be sure to focus your efforts on the few days before and the actual day of Eros. Here are a dozen suggestions to get you through the week.
Leave your sweetie's favorite flower on his/her windshield. You could do this every day of that lovely week. (Ladies-men are charmed by flowers as much as you are!)
Another possibility for each day, leave a small card with a quote you like or something you've written yourself-remember understatement is sexy.
Give a mug that your honey will like (remember his/her faves-colors, animals, hobbies) and put a couple special tea bags or gourmet coffee/hot chocolate packets inside-wrap it in cellophane and leave it on his/her desk.
Does he/she like chocolate? Go to one of the connoisseur chocolate shops and choose a few truffles, have them put in a decorative bag/box and leave these delights somewhere your darling can't miss them.
Choose a small bottle of bubble bath, an aromatherapy candle or bottle of lotion that your sweetheart will enjoy. Wrap it simply and leave it somewhere for them. Remember-men respond to aromatherapy too!
If you discovered he/she loves a particular writer or musician, check them out yourself and choose one that you like so you can share your gift of a book or tape.
Use a card to invite him/her to an event or an outing--remember what he/she likes? boat show, walk in the park, favorite restaurant or museum. If you're romancing your partner, just write in the card for him/her to dress appropriately and to be ready at an appointed time, then whisk him/her away to the perfect performance seats or activity you've arranged.
Take a note from Don Juan, hire a band to serenade him/her under his/her window one night. Singing to woo love is very common and effective in Latino cultures.
Send romantic emails with photos or music that you know will appeal to your honey.
Watch the moonrise together. Full Moon is Thursday, February 8th, and rises in the East as the sun sets in the West. On Friday, the 9th, moonrise is in the East one hour after sunset, on the 10th, two hours after sunset.
Ask to meet for lunch and show up with a picnic basket and blanket, take him/her to a spot you've chosen where you can relax and enjoy the scenery. If the weather is crummy-have the picnic in the car from a scenic vista. (Make sure your car is clean!)
If a weekend away is possible, think high romance and have it booked in advance! Arrange to include some of the following:
soft lighting-candles, firelight, sunset, thunderstorm, moon glow
music-saxophone, piano, guitar, French horn
water-islands, beach, snow, ocean, river, lake, Jacuzzi
aphrodisiacs-champagne, strawberries, raspberry sauce, heavy cream, aromatherapy, breathtaking views, anticipation, dressing up
touch-massage, mineral springs, mud baths, hugs, holding hands, tenderness, velvet, fur
fun-jumping on a trampoline, driving fast, going to a shooting range, wrestling, dancing, walking in the woods, canoeing, playing cards, any outdoor activity

The elements of romance: What is it all about? Romance is subtle, mysterious, gentle, and surprising. How to capture romance in your actions-there's the challenge. Showing your sincere desire to pay attention to and to please your beloved is the key. Make this Valentine's Day your inspiration throughout the year.

Paul A. Falzone is president and CEO of The Right One, a personal introduction service based in Hingham, Massachusetts with offices throughout the nation. When he's not matchmaking, Falzone is on the steering committee of Boston's Angell Memorial Hospital and works with inner city abused children and mentally challenged adults. For additional dating tips, visit www.therightone.com. or call 1 (800) 818-DATE [1 (800) 818-3283]
                                                                                                                

EDITORS - For more information or to arrange interviews with media savvy and colorful founder Paul A. Falzone, please contact Steve Dubin, PR Works, at (781) 878-9533 or sdubin@prworkzone.com.