Valentine's Day Etiquette

How do I love thee? Let me count the ways. - Elizabeth Barrett Browning

We at Marvelously Well-Mannered are firm believers that manners and etiquette are not to be saved for special occasions. Nor are they to be saved for only loved ones. They should be liberally used every day, toward everyone.

That said, we did want to remind people that Valentine’s Day is right around the corner and with it comes some pretty high expectations from loved ones. Here are some tips to help your odds in having a more enjoyable February 14th:

• Make your “date” arrangements well in advance. Proper planning means less opportunity for surprises that tend to cause people to be rude, frazzled, and not very enjoyable to be around.
• If you go out on a date, focus your attention on your date – not your cellphone, blackberry, or the people you see over your date’s shoulder.
• The one who does the inviting to a dinner should pay. A special evening out does not have to mean at an extravagantly, expensive restaurant. The host should find something within their budget.
• Be polite, courteous and patient when interacting with the wait-staff, especially when things go wrong. Nothing kills a romantic mood than being with someone who treats others rudely. It is embarrassing. It is uncomfortable.
• Mind your manners at the dining table. Remember what your mum taught you: sit up straight, wait to eat until everyone has been served, chew with your mouth closed, don’t talk with a full mouth, and elbows – off the table.
• Graciously accept compliments with a smile and a “thank you.” And only give sincere compliments – if you don’t believe what you say, it is usually painfully obvious.
• Flowers, chocolate, or a gift are nice. But a card containing a well-thought out, sincere love note is the best gift of all. Please make sure spelling and grammar are up to par.
• For parents of children who attend schools where the holiday is celebrated, this is a good opportunity to explain to your child that no one likes to be left out and it is good manners to give cards to everyone, and not to exclude individuals.
• Remember while Valentine’s Day is often associated with romantic love, it is also another great opportunity to remind everyone you care about that you really do care about them and that you do not take them for granted.

And again, to be marvelously well-mannered, remember that you should be treating everyone with kindness and thoughtfulness everyday. Marvelous manners and etiquette really do matter. Pure and simple.