There are some advantages to not having a date for Valentine’s Day: For one, you’re not expected to shell out 50 bucks on roses, and, according to the authors of “The Modern Lover” (Ten Speed Press, $15.95), Valentine’s Day is a great day to meet women.
Co-author Jason Tesauro advises hitting the bars stag and checking out others who have the guts to brave the night without someone draped on her arm.
“You know that you’re hanging out with people who have enough esteem that it’s OK for them to be thought of as not being connected on the supreme romantic day of the year,” he said.
“The Modern Lover,” which bills itself as a playbook for suitors, spouses and ringless carousers, advises bringing along some candy hearts with edited phrases to break the ice.
Hi Cutie.
If you are connected on the “supreme romantic day of the year,” Tesauro recommends a unique approach. Avoid roses and big heart-shaped boxes of candy. Instead, create a small gift box yourself using boutique chocolate. “If you can put a 3-inch box together that knocks her off her feet, that’s high-density love,” he promised.
Rather than be herded through the packed restaurants, do something special at home. He calls it the “home-based woo.”
Also, go to school on your date. She’s checking you out to see if you can handle the romance thing. Watch to see if she’s into you or just the trappings of the holiday.
“Those who equate stem count and expensive dinner reservations [with a happy Valentine’s] will also equate love with carat size and real estate square footage in your future,” Tesauro warned.
