A Valentine Special: The alternative Romeo

Conventional wisdom has it that the quickest way to a man’s heart is through his stomach but what’s the quickest way to a woman’s heart? Well, actually there is no quick route and even today’s modern, independent women would still love to be swept off their feet with prancing and romancing (don’t deny it, ladies). A little effort this Valentine’s Day could create big memories for you and your Juliet. If you show her that you took some time out for thought and preparation, then your sincerity and thoughtfulness will win her over in no time.

A caveat: You must be more creative than having a candlelit dinner. Besides breaking your bank account, you may need a bit more than a sumptuous dinner to play Romeo for the night. It may be tried-and-tested, but to be unforgettable, you must have a twist. Read this to give you some ideas on how to be a romantic, unforgettable alternative Romeo this Valentine season:

1. Learn to dance for two. If your culinary skills aren’t the stuff of legend, then you might want to take her out for a romantic dinner. At the snazzy restaurant, most likely, an orchestra or band will be playing this Valentine season, so take your cue from the music: dance! Don’t be shy. The night before, ask a friend to teach you how to waltz, foxtrot, samba, chacha, etc. Your date may not be a dancer herself, but typically, the male leads the way for those romantic dances. So, when you hold her hand and she feels you can glide her across the dance floor, she’ll definitely be game. Your romantic dancing would come as a most pleasant surprise.

2. Get physical. Instead of a typical movie date, have fun with sports! Go for alternative physical exercise, such as go-karting at Kartzone (F. Cabahug St., Mabolo) or wall-climbing (try it at Metro Sports, Lahug).  The rates are affordable, and the fun is priceless! When it comes to karting, you may feel your manly competitive instinct kick in, but you could be a sweetheart and let her win. Wall-climbing is also an awesome bonding activity because while one is climbing, one would need to be on the ground to hoist the other up.

3. Write her a love letter. It doesn’t have to be Shakespearean or Casanova-ish, but you will need raw emotion. Your words just have to come from the heart. Believe me, she’ll know if you’re sincere or not. And if you are, you’ll melt her heart instantly.

4. Take her to the place you two first met. If you two have been together for years, it would be beautiful to take her to the place you two first met or first fell in love. Drive by, reminisce and talk about your first encounter. Tell her that you remember your earliest moments together! Remind her of what she wore, what you thought of her and what you still love about her. She’d melt at the thought that you cherish the memories as much as she does.

5. Have an outreach activity together. Visit an orphanage or home for the aged together. Show her the soft, generous side of you. There are various institutions all over the city, like SOS Children’s Village or Gasa sa Gugma (Home for the Destitute). Call in advance and bring some food you can share with a small group in the centers. Stay and chat for a few hours. What you learn about others and about yourself and your date will surprise you. By the end of the day, you’ll not only feel closer, both of you would feel wonderfully fulfilled.

Remember, romancing your Juliet isn’t about how much money you spend or how fancy your reservations are. What matters most is your sincerity and thoughtfulness in your preparations to show that you looked forward to the occasion as much as she did. So, make it an unforgettable Valentine for her, Romeo! Make beautiful memories together. The perfect moments will stay with you both forever.