The Valentine’s date seemed to be going fine. Great, actually.  John and Samantha (names have been changed to protect the identity of these individuals) were sharing a fabulous evening that started with dinner at a trendy restaurant, followed by live jazz music accompanying wine.  Not too bad for a first date.  As the evening approached an end, John invited Samantha upstairs for some coffee and asked, “Are you interested in a threesome with my ex?”

Oh no he didn’t!

There are some things men should NOT do on any given date, much less on Valentine’s Day.  Whether you are set up on a blind date or have been with someone for eons, here are some major no-no’s for Valentine’s Day.

He gives you stale old chocolates.

It’s a sad state when men buy boxes of chocolates and distribute them like business cards.  Or saves them for the following year.  Tasteless and without class.  This goes for flowers that are so quickly picked from the garden that you actually still see dirt in the roots. At least have the decency to clean them up!

He gives you a gift his ex rejected.

The pendant with “Jenny” engraved on it when your name is Marsha is a major no-no.  Same as the ring that doesn’t fit your fingers (hello, he can find your size ahead of time).  You know a gift is not given especially for you when it doesn’t fit, it doesn’t match, or it looks half-as*ed.

He gives you a toaster.

Unless you asked for it, there better not be a kitchen appliance under that gift wrap.  Be creative!  BE ROMANTIC!  Valentine’s Day is the day to express your love.  Leave the toaster for a random act of love in April or something.  Romantic gifts include homemade cards, silk pajamas with lace, a delicate piece of jewelry, or a CD with your favorite songs as a couple — not kitchen appliance from Kitchenaid.

He expects sex.

Valentine’s Day is not about getting laid, although many modern men have been conditioned to think it so.  They somehow have equated the valuation of dinner and movies as an exchange to get into a girl’s pants.  Instead of feeling obligated to be generous with your body, be respectful of your body and integrity.  Never sleep with someone because you feel lonely or because Valentine’s Day (and a few drinks) has created some expectation of love making.  If sex was never on your agenda, send him home.

He didn’t make reservations.

We all know about the two hour waits at restaurants on Valentine’s Day for poor idiots who didn’t call ahead of time.  He should have called and made reservations.  That means he didn’t think ahead or care enough to make that simple effort to ensure that the evening would go smoothly.  Even a dinner cooked at home would be just as romantic and fun — as long as he planned it.

He’s super late.

Usually when someone is late to meet you, they have prioritized other things instead prioritizing you.  There is the rare occurrence of a car accident, a family death, or a major storm, but generally, he just was not making you his number one.

All kidding aside, Valentine’s Day is a celebration of love. It doesn’t matter what he gives you or where he takes you, as long as you both want to spend that day together. It can be spontaneous or planned meticulously based on your personalities.  It can be romantic or it can just be incredibly chill and worry-free.  Be conscious about what you like about the person and don’t sacrifice who you are to fabricate a romantic evening.

How about you?  What are your deal breakers for Valentine’s Day?