Mid- Feb heralded in ancient Rome, the coming of spring and even in pre-Christian times people celebrated a “fertility" festival with great joy. Much later the festival celebrated on Feb 14th was in honor of St. Valentine who is believed to have signed a letter to his beloved on his death bed as “from your Valentine."

Red hearts, beautifully wrapped chocolates, balloon bouquets, and so on flood the markets and most young men are in a quandary as to what will make a “memorable gift."

Here are a few ideas to set your creativity rolling:

1.Abandon all ideas of dinner in a crowded restaurant where couples will be jostling for space. Plan a special “time for two" either on a patio over looking a garden or on a boat sailing down a moonlit river or sea. Choose to pack a picnic basket with foods that triggers off memories. For example perhaps the two of you had enjoyed chocolate donuts one day, or a pizza with toppings both love, or a cookie specially baked by you. Take along music or compose a song to sing to her. Serenade her like knights used to on bent knee.

2.If you have gathered many pictures or video clips of your time together then put together an album with specially written captions and a witty heading. You could even say “this gamine grimace enchanted me," be original and let your imagination and sense of humor take wing.

3.If you are going to be away on Valentines Day meet online for a special chat. Make it a cyber date—the World Wide Web will close up the distances.

4.Avoid the run of the mill activities and plan to go to an amusement park or fair. Have a rollicking time on the roller coaster.

5.If you know of a movie she has been dying to see –get it and plan an evening enjoying the film.

6.If she loves gizmos get her a digital camera or video phone.

7.Don your apron and chef’s hat and cook a special meal.

8.Pamper her by gifting her a session at a spa she loves.

9. Plan a weekend get-away and take her somewhere special.

10.Pot a special plant for her. One that will grow and bloom along with your relationship.

Valentines Day is special so consider something unique. Most people will not have the spirit of adventure in them and try something different. They feel safer going with the crowd and presenting their love with cards, red balloons, hearts cut out of red paper or fabric, Godiva’s chocolates, or a dinner in a favorite restaurant. Dare to be different and you will be remembered.