Scene by Carson: A few etiquette tips for the big V-Day

 

Editor’s note: Amanda Carson recently graduated from Ole Miss where she wore a cocktail dress and high heels to football games at which tailgating was conducted in a tent adorned with a chandelier. Prior to this she attended a private school in Memphis at which Southern manners and etiquette was stressed — which does not explain her football game decisions. Anyway, Amanda will attempt to infuse her Southern experiences, exposure and education into the arts and entertainment scene in the Fort Smith/Van Buren region.

Valentine’s Day is a good three weeks away and probably hasn’t even crossed most guys’ minds, so here are a few helpful pointers to help make this day less stressful and more romantic for your special someone.

Yes, this holiday has been commercialized and mostly turned into a cliché, but try to remember this day is intended to be about the person you love and making it a unique experience from them.

There should be no personal agenda on this day; guys make it all about her. And girls, try not to be a snob, if you do not get the diamonds you longed for, still let your man know how much you appreciate him. So here are some pointers.

• First off, plan ahead.
The way to say “I love you” is not through a giant pink teddy bear that’s so cheap it was the last of the pickovers at Walgreens. And a corner booth by the bathrooms at Red Lobster does not exactly ooze romance. So save yourself from being “that guy.” Do a little due diligence and make a reservation, preferably the sooner the better.

• Be original.
This is the only day out of a year you have to and should think outside the box; it won’t hurt your brain as much as you think. Instead of red roses, try finding out her favorite flowers and send those. Instead of a box of chocolates, where it’s a gamble if she will even like four of the twenty flavors crammed in the box, try a wine basket. Maybe get her a book she has been talking about forever, but has still failed to go get for herself.

And instead of the same ole same dinner and a movie, try a cooking class for two. Or guys, why don’t you take a cooking class by yourself and prepare her what you learned to make. Please, please, please stay away from the chains, such as the aforementioned Red Lobster (Nothing against the Lobster, there is not much else seafood in town; but on V Day?! Come on now).

• Save up for the occasion.
This is a set date on every calendar you see every year, so be smart and stay away from Choctaw the weekend before. If your woman is not a gold digga’ and genuinely cares about you, she would prefer that you not break the bank for her, but hey, women are still women and like to be treated every once in a while.

Now, it seems like a lot of these tips are being directed towards the guys and they are, because let’s face it, girls just got it together more. But sometimes girls can get a lil’ caught up in themselves. So ladies, this day is not all about you. Show your man how much you appreciate him and how grateful you are that he treats you so well, most of the time. You should save up as well and make a trip to Victoria’s Secrets. Unless you date a dog of man, then he should only get the granny panties in the back of the drawer.

Some people may think, “Why should I have to have a certain day to tell me to treat my love special? I treat my sweetie special all the time.” Lame and lazy. You may very well treat your significant other like a prince or princess, but play that card and it may be the last hand your dealt.

Hope these tips help keep you out of the dog house this Valentine’s Day, and remember to treat her classy and never trashy!

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Even though the graduated from Ole Miss, Amanda is comfortable using e-mail. You can reach her at [email protected]