Make It a Valentine's Day to Remember

Transcript from the chat with Dr. Pepper Schwartz on Feb. 8, 2011.

Question from Bonnie: How do I get my husband to remember me on Valentine's Day?

Pepper Schwartz: Bonnie that's a good question. Wishing and hoping won't get you what you want. You are going to have to be a little bit active on this until you establish a pattern. Drop him a note or an e-mail and tell him that Valentine's Day is coming up and you would like him to create something for the both of you, and you are available for consultation if he wants it.

True, he didn't remember it himself, but if you give him a week's notice, it will feel good when he does come up with something.

Question from Raymond: My wife loves Valentine's Day, but I'm out of ideas after 38 years. We live in Arizona. Any suggestions?

PS: Have several couples over for dinner, make it a potluck and have everyone make a special Valentine's Day dish. Plan it together and decorate it in a Valentine's Day theme. Or, go to the video store together and rent some romantic movies and pop a bottle of champagne when you watch them. Check out my Valentine's Day column for more ideas.

Question from Sally: It's no fun being single on Valentine's Day. What do you suggest for single ladies —-  or even those men folk?

PS: I've been single on Valentine's Day and I know what you mean Sally. But it doesn't have to be a bummer. What I would do is get together with my single girlfriends and we'd have a dinner party with lots of wine and end up feeling very grateful for our friendships and our lives. Sometimes we'd have a spa day. It's amazing how great you can feel when you get your toes done!