Kathmandu:

Valentine’s Day is here and so are the lovey-dovey feelings associated with this season. Many may argue V-Day is a Western tradition, but isn’t love a universal feeling? Some may even say it is more of a commercial gimmick, but wouldn’t you love it if your loved one did something special and surprised you on this day.

They say love is blind, but even starry eyed lovers can’t turn a blind eye to certain things. Here are some faux pas you’d best avoid, and some things that should you do it, it will raise your love quotient in your beloved’s eyes.

All said and done, keep a rein (or protection) on your passions as you wouldn’t want to celebrate the coming Children’s Day with one of your own if you are not prepared for it.

We wish you love.

It’s a no-no

For him

• Never ask your mom, sister or any other girl pal to choose any gift, especially a Valentine’s Day gift, for your girl.

• Don’t say there is an important cricket, football or wrestling match on TV that night that you absolutely need to watch, and keep your eyes glued to the TV set.

• If you’ve gone out for a so-to-say romantic dinner/lunch, don’t check out the waitress or the girl on the next table.

• Please remember garlic and onion are in no way any kind of a mouth freshener. It is advised that you stay far away from these two ingredients on this romantic day.

• Don’t crib about the sky-high price of roses on that day.

• Please guys, this is V-Day, so don’t take her for a Valentine’s Day special treat at a local momo stall, though this stall may serve the best momos in your town. She deserves something extra special, no?

• Don’t try to sing for your girl in public if you sound like a frog (Croak! Croak!). Even if you don’t get embarrassed by such expressions of love, your girls might.

• Don’t bring up how your “super sexy ex used to love these chocolates” that you’ve got for your girl.

• Repeat after us: Anything on 50 per cent discount or got at a ‘clearance sale’ is not eligible for V-Day.

• Set drinking limits. Don’t pass out, or puke, or get bossy, or rude, or abusive... Nothing turns a girl off faster than such behaviour.

• Don’t try to take advantage (in any way) just because it is V-Day.

• Don’t keep talking on your mobile phone. We know cell-phones are necessary, but on this day you could afford to switch it off and give your lady love your undivided attention.

For her

• Please don’t order different (read very expensive) dishes on the menu if you are only going to nibble on just one.

• For a day, stop being the Quizmaster. “How much do you love me?” “Why are you so quiet?” “Ke bhayo (What’s the matter)?”

• Don’t expect commitment speech just because it is V-Day.

• Don’t get your sister to tag along, or a recently dumped friend who has become a one-woman army against all guys.

• Don’t dress over the top and take five hours to get ready. We know you need to look special for the day, but spending time with him should be your priority this day.

• Don’t dress up as Siamese twins.

• Don’t exchange your V-Day gift the very next day.

• Make sure you’re aunts (phupus and maijus) are not in the same restaurant.

• Don’t throw tantrums and make fuss about your looks. “Am I looking fat?” “Is this colour bringing out the colours of my eyes?”

• Don’t check out the sexy bartender or the guy on the other table.

• Drink moderately. Don’t pass out or throw up in public.

• Your juicy gossip can wait for another day. Spend quality time together. So please, switch off your cell phone.

• ‘One drink two straws’ is a no-no. Public displays of deep, deep affection are a bit too heavy on other’s eyes. And please don’t feed each other in public.

Tickle your romantic bone

• Make an effort to compliment your girl even if it is not your cup of tea.

• Write a love note and leave it near her plate or in her bag... when she’s not looking.

• Plan a romantic gate-away. It doesn’t have to be somewhere exotic or really expensive.

• If your partner loves home-cooked food, why not polish your culinary skills and cook a meal that prepared with love. A candlelight dinner is everyone’s favo-urite thing for a romantic evening together.

• Surprise your loved one. Reserve a table at your favourite restaurant and enjoy an evening of wining and dining. (Book the table a few days in advance so that you are not embarrassed and left standing at the door.)

• Make sure you’re not stinking — BO and bad breath are not turn-ons from any angle.

• For once dump your old blue jeans and sneakers, and get dressed for the occasion. After all it ain’t a regular date.

The best things in life can never be kept, they must be given away. A smile, a kiss, and love. — Tony Farrar

Rocking singletons

All those sexy singles who have no Valentines this year, there is no reason at all for you to sit and cry at home. You could

• Organise your own ‘Singles Only V-Day Special Party’.

• Gate crash a Valentine’s Day party and dance till the wee hours.

• Go for a movie with all your other single friends and disturb all the mushy lovers who’ve also come to the movies.

• Flirt with the bartender.

• Check out the girl or the guy at the next table.

Rent-a-movie

If you are planning to spend your the evening at home with your loved one, why not rent some movies and enjoy quality time together. Here are few for you to choose from.

• Down With Love

• Breakfast at Tiffany’s

• Serendipity

• Kusumey Rumal

• Socha Na Tha

• Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner

• Just Like Heaven

• A Walk to Remember

• Before Sunrise

• Before Sunset

• Autumn in New York

• Guide

What he’d love to hear

• “The expensive Italian restaurant? No, thanks. Let’s eat at the usual food joint.”

• “Let’s split the bill.”

• “Oh! Desperate Housewives is so boring lets watch ManU Vs Arsenal.”

• “Your beer belly is choo-cute.”

• “Why don’t you have a boys’ night out this week?”