The history of this day has origins in both Christian and Ancient Roman tradition. As a matter of fact there are many legends surrounding Valentine and the day it was yet to become. According to the Catholic Encyclopedia (1908) there are least three St Valentine’s recorded.

One legend has it that in 269 AD in ancient Rome, Saint Valentine was secretly performing marriages and engagements in direct contravention of the Emperor Claudius II, who banned marriages and engagements in an attempt to recruit and enlist more soldiers (recruitment numbers were down because the men wanted to remain with their loved ones). Alas and alack it was all too good to last, when St Valentine’s secret was discovered, as punishment for his crime, he was thrown into jail, beaten with clubs, followed by execution.

The legend goes that before he was beheaded on 14th February, he fell in love with his jailor’s daughter and wrote her a billet-doux (love letter). It’s said he signed off on his note with “from your valentine". Many years later in 496 AD, Pope Gelasius declared a day of honour for Valentine and so began Valentine’s Day.

Meanwhile, in ancient Roman days the 14th February celebrated and honored Juno, Queen of Roman Goddesses and Gods who was also said to be Goddess of woman and marriage.

Another legend has it that Valentine was an early Christian who made friends with many children. The Romans apparently imprisoned him because he didn’t worship their gods. The children, missing Valentine, would hand him loving notes through the bars of his cell.

Whatever the legends, the 14th February is the day where many of us exchange cards (anonymously or not) and do something romantic for our partner.

Having a pretty good idea on what women want, flowers, chocolates, and a card (yes I know some of us are still waiting…) I wondered what men wanted and so asked a group of men if they could have something they really wanted what would it be?

The majority of responses I’m not able to reprint (side splittingly funny nevertheless) and asked them to think seriously about what they would like to have on Valentine’s Day. Never having been asked before, this proved to be a somewhat difficult question for them to answer, but soon started warming to this question.

For partners scratching for ideas, the following will give you some idea what he really wants if it were up to him. I was told, come up with any of the following and it’s guaranteed Valentine’s Day will go off like a frog in a sock:

Please note that the opinions contained herein are not necessarily those of the author…

1.A beautiful meal at a restaurant (probably because they couldn’t have what they really wanted first up so this was a safe start);

2.A good book and the silence to read it;

3.A weekend away at a resort or hotel;

4.Day-tripping around coastal or country areas, eating breakfast and lunch out at different places;

5.Hanging out with loved one;

6.Breakfast in bed;

7.Driving an open top sports car for the day;

8.A ride in a supersonic jet;

9.Nice bottle of single malt 100 year old scotch;

10.Police arresting and taking away the mother-in-law;

11.Massage in a day spa;

12.Complete day of wife or partner agreeing with everything said;

13.24 hour nag-free day;

14.Someone else working at your day job for the day;

15.Wife or partner completely losing their voice for the day;

16.To be alone;

17.Visit an art gallery;

18.Visit a museum;

19.Play golf or go to a sporting event – whatever is in season; and

20.Ride a Harley Davidson.

Even if you’re not into Valentine’s Day, it’s the perfect excuse to have that frog go off in a sock by doing something wonderful for you and your partner, and if single, you can do something especially for you.