Valentine's day. Christmas. Birthdays.
Yes, all are holidays celebrated in overabundance by the presumed urging of the greeting card industry and Macy's, but they also share a burden of unclear expectations for new relationships when it comes to gift-giving.
Yes, after years of getting to know you family and close friends, one maybe be able to pick out a gift with ease. However, when in a new relationship not only do you wrestle with the issue of nailing down their tastes, but also with the issue of gift-level. How embarrassing to show up to a date around Valentines day without even a nod to the day while they've purchased a perfectly bland piece of jewelry and tickets to a show 2 months out! A pox on both houses I say!
When in doubt get a little something and make it consumable.
A movie night in? Make some flavored popcorn and have some for them in a to-go bag (assuming they leave at the end of the night, which, in that case, maaaaybe save the popcorn for your lonely ass).
Going to dinner? Skip the $7 pad thai place and seek to impress at a place with tablecloths. Ask to see the dessert menu and go for a nice walk-and-chat after.
Tighter budget? Arrange a grocery store bouquet to look magnificent, set the table, cook an easy chicken dish and light candles. Rent a rom-com and let the flirting fly.
Not going to see each other around the holiday? Mail a card to keep the spark alive when you're away and include a gift card for a massage or manicure in their area. Heck, send flowers. P.S. Guys like flowers too!
A little bit of thought and effort go a long way toward striking the right tone for your new relationship. A tone that says "I like you, but can you put the spare key back under the mat where you found it?"
