Oops! I forgot…

It is every man’s worst nightmare.

Picture this. You wake up and your lady is full of mysterious energy, bouncing all over the place and giving you smiles broader than she did when you first asked her out. For the entire week she has been pampering you, paying you compliments and of course, not-so-casually leaving jewellery catalogues laying around.

On this particular morning she is busy cooking you a huge breakfast and she keeps asking you the same strange question – “so, where did you hide it?”

You cannot figure out what she means because you cannot remember hiding anything (except your car keys. From yourself). And as the morning progresses she gets less and less lovey-dovey and decidedly more icy. When you walk into the office and see your female colleagues gushing over huge heart balloons and elaborate flower arrangements, you know.

It hits you. You forgot Valentine’s Day.

But wait! Do not panic, bro. Even if you committed the cardinal sin of forgetting to plan an intricate V-Day surprise, you can still redeem yourself. All you need is some imagination and your grovelling skills.

Here are three things to do if you forget Valentine’s Day:

1. Get creative – plan a dinner that will knock her stilettos off.

It really is not that difficult. Go on a quick trip to a local deli and pick up some special goodies. Special does not include silly little sandwiches and a flask of tea. It means prawn cocktail, butter croissants, pitas filled with grilled chicken and veggies, chocolate mousse…you get the drift. You have the whole day so make it something Jamie Oliver would be proud of. Find a park and lure her there after work, where she will find a blanket, supper and you.

2. Teddy and flowers – works like a charm.

No woman in her right mind can resist an enormous teddy bear, especially if it comes with a stunning flower arrangement and some Belgian chocolate. Pump up the romantic factor by delivering the gifts personally, with an invitation to a romantic movie evening. Let her choose the flick and if she wants a romantic tear-jerker, deal with it and start cuddling.

3. Failing all else – come clean.

Just tell the truth. If you have one of those girlfriends who can sniff your lies out better than an Alsatian at an airport, it is best you do not lie. Be honest. Say you forgot and be prepared with the dinner and gifts as a peace offering. If she starts to rant, wait for her to finish and then calmly kiss her forehead. She will melt, guaranteed.

These tips should save your hide for one year only, so your fourth and final tip is – never forget Valentine’s Day!!