Historically, February has been a time of declaration for many people around the world.

For example, in the US on February 2, Groundhog Day declares that winter’s end is or isn’t less then six weeks away. And in Brazil from February 2 through 5, Carnival declares a commitment of self-denial and commitment to God for the next 40 days. In the US on February 3, the Super Bowl declares the best team in football for the season. Mardi Gras is celebrated in the several countries to mark the end of the Christmas fortnight and the preparation of the Easter season. February 7 declares the Chinese New Year, and February is Black History Month.

Despite all that is declared during these 28 days, or 29 with the declaration of the leap year, they all pale to the declaration of love on February 14.

No matter who you are or if you believe that Valentine’s Day is a holiday made up to sell candy (cynic) or a true holiday of lovers (romantic) you can not deny the seduction and lure of a red heart filled with sweet treats.

This time is a really big time in relationships and how it is handled is (yes to my feminists I apologize but it is true) determined by the male partner. Please afford me a little stereotypical-ness, because I am speaking of traditions and historical behaviors. So if you see that you could be on of these types of guy or you are a woman with this type of man, and you want to make this year different and surprise her, I will include a few tips.

Let me ease the tension and say that you do not have to do this every year. Just like a woman will remember the bad things that you did for a long time, she will remember the good things even longer. So every few years do something great, but each year create a very sweet and romantic declaration that is all yours.

The Romantic Guy: you have a foothold on the sentimental and sensuous. The rose petals and candlelit dinners are all great and wonderful. To add to the phenomena try to find out things about her (by asking her not her friends or family) that you may have overlooked in the past. For example, when she is alone, what does she do? Does she like to read or knit…? Or is there some hobby that she used to have or would like to take up?

Make her a coupon book for twelve 1 hour intervals that she can spend uninterrupted by, kids or you to enjoy her interest or get her a subscription to a magazine that covers her topic. (This has an added bonus of a year long romantic notion that will do well for you in many positions, I mean ways!) If she likes the diamonds and all don’t skip it, just add a little something. It will be worth the effort.

The attire for this couple is all about the deep reds and pink, from lingerie to a formal dress. Dinner should be a slinky dress that emphasizes all of her assets. For him it should be a fitted dress tee and sport coat with slacks that emphasizes the gluts just a bit. (yes guys we are looking at your tushie too.)

The Got You Already Guy: you are clueless and need the most help of all. You think that because at some point you caught some unsuspecting woman off guard does not mean that your job is done for the rest of the relationship. Relationships require that what you do to get a girl is what you must do to keep her. So Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to show her that you value her in some way. Just showing up everyday is not enough. Take the sentimental journey and buy her the same type of flowers that you bought on your first date or take her to the restaurant that you met at or something like that. Then give her an affordable piece of jewelry that she can wear daily. This will remind her of that one time that you were so sweet to her and she will forgive you for being “stupid” and “taking her for granted again.”

This date night should be as dressy or as casual as the date that you are reincarnating. Keep the surprise intact (important for the best impact) just say we are going out on Valentine’s and you should dress like – then pick an outfit that you have seen her wear. Try to be vague and don’t have her in raggedy jean and a tee when she needs to have on great jeans and a hot top. She is going to want to feel beautiful to you that night so no wondering eyes!

Mr. Forgetful: you are very sweet indeed but forget the most important times to a woman. To avoid missing that important date plan ahead by pre-buying gifts for each occasion. There are stores that you can order from select a ship date that will have it to her on time. The big thing is do it while you are thinking about it. Forgetting is a very hurtful thing. The woman will believe that she is not important to you and that is why you just forgot!

Send her notes weeks in advance if you want to go out. Tell her how to dress and to call you with a sexy message before she starts to get ready for the date. This will serve as a reminder for you and get the romance started before you two even see each other for the date. One thing that Mr. Forgetful never forgets is how much he loves his woman and it always shows and this will be the best accessory for your date. She will start to feel as special to you as you know that she is. It will be magical!

Mr. It Is Just Another Day: you need a reality check. Yes everyday is just another day. But some days are special and even if she agrees with you (with her mouth) that it is just another day: she does not feel that way. If your woman likes to look nice then she wants to feel special. She wants that big bouquet of flowers to show up and something special at home waiting. Woman like everyone to know that they are loved and special and this is the day that you can make that happen. Sending flowers on non special occasions sends the wrong message (like, I’m sorry or I’m in the dog house).

You are not sticking it to the man, you are sticking it to you woman. To make both of you comfortable make it a casual date night. See a movie in or out in jeans or pajamas. If you don’t wear pajamas make a cute tee shirt for her and boxer briefs for you in the appropriate themed attire. Just make it special. She will never forget it.

Mr. Selfish: you are good hearted but going to a football game or hanging out with you and the boys at a sports bar is not a good Valentine’s date. Your relationship is about you and your woman not her and all of you all. Hanging out is great and the fact that she does not mind the gang is awesome and she is truly a rare find.

If Valentine’s fall out on hang out night, take her to an early dinner and do something romantic and give her the gifts that you have selected for her and then you both go hang out with the gang. She will have something to brag to her girls about and she will feel special the entire night. No matter how out of control you and the night may get, she will have that loving look in her eye.

Dress casual for this date. Jeans are perfect with a printed tee and a sweater. This will make her feel that you dressed up a little for the date but you will still feel great and not have to sacrifice a great night that you both enjoy anyway!

Remember this is a time to declare something. You are going to declare, she is mine or she is not. Whichever you decide do it in style.

Fashion designer Elle Bowman keeps Blast Magazine readers looking fabulous with her style columns. She is the owner and head designer of NOESLLA.