Valentine's Day is just about here again. Will this year be any different than previous years? Maybe you'd like to do something different than the same old "red roses and a box of chocolates" thing. Would you like to make this year a Valentine's Day she'll remember the rest of her life? If so, this article will tell you how.

We'll start by listing the top three things every woman wants for Valentine's Day. Believe it or not, chocolate and flowers are not on the list.

1. Thought and Effort. Women want their man to put thought and energy into making their Valentine's Day special. It's not about how much money you spend. It is about the quality time and effort that you spend. The more effort you put forth, the more special she will feel. Give her a night dedicated to her wants and desires - not just something thrown together at the last moment. Not only will she know if you just stopped at the local convenience store to pick up some flowers on your way over, her thoughts will be "why does he even bother?" The more thought and effort you spend, the more she will feel appreciated and special.

2. Undivided Attention. As a man, one of your most important jobs in your relationship is to listen to your woman. Pay attention to her. What she really wants on Valentine's Day is for you to focus on her, not anything or anyone else.

3. Pampering. All women love to be pampered. However, we must be clear on what type of pampering is being touted here. While a gift certificate to the local spa certainly can be called pampering, it is not the same as personal pampering. Here's why - when you pamper a woman you are taking care of her, you are making her feel good, and by you doing the pampering personally, you are taking an active role in demonstrating your love. Giving a gift in contributing to her pampering in a passive role. It is far more personal for you to take an active role in pampering her personally than simply hiring somebody to do it for you.

If you can incorporate the above three things in your plans for a Valentine's Day gift, you'll certainly capture her attention and provide her a Valentine's Day treat that she will not forget.

Now that we've covered the theory, let's see if we can put that theory into action.

What Valentine's Day gift will fulfill all three of the above ideals? A romantic lobster dinner, completely prepared by her very favorite chef: you! She'll be thrilled to see you in a chef's hat, apron, meticulously preparing a succulent dinner that just the two of you can enjoy by candlelight.

It certainly shows thought and effort. It's a unique idea that she will really appreciate. It provides the setting for you to give her your undivided attention. And you are actively involved in personally pampering her, and her alone. Plus, it's something that just about every guy can actually do, and look like a pro in doing it.

Here are a few more tips to make the romantic lobster dinner a stunning success:

First, prep the house. If you have roommates, cut a deal to have them be out for the night. If you have children, find an off-site babysitter or arrange for family to take the kids for the night.

Valentines Day this year falls on a Tuesday, so we all still have to work, so plan to come home a little early from work to set up. If you don't have time to clean the house you need to at least throw a new set of sheets on the bed and clean the bathroom. If you have to hire a cleaning service for a couple of hours in the afternoon, that's ok. The important thing is to get the house neat and proper in appearance.
You do not want her to feel like there are household chores that need to be done. This will distract from the mood. You know why women like going to hotels? Because the bathroom is clean and the bed is made, and they didn't have to lift a finger!

Have some soft music playing loud enough to hear but quiet enough so you two can talk over dinner. A single red rose as a centerpiece on the table will work well. Set candles out around the house, in the bathroom, by the bed, in the living room and of course, on the table. Make sure to light them about 15 minutes before your evening will begin so they have a chance to burn and their scent fills the house.

You don't want spend the entire evening in the kitchen, and a lobster dinner requires very little work. Shrimp cocktail is an excellent appetizer and can be prepared ahead of time. You can also set out fondue with cheese or chocolate and have breads or fruit for dipping. This can be romantic since you can feed each other.

You should try to set a simple elegant table for two in front of the fireplace, complete with white linen tablecloth and your best china. Having a bottle of fine wine or champagne will add to the romance. If you do not already have them, buy two nice fluted glasses. No one wants to drink champagne out of your old plastic mug.

By following these suggestions, and adding your own little unique twists, your romantic lobster dinner will be the best Valentine's Day gift she's ever received!