Men, take heed. That time of

year is right around the corner when a dozen roses and a candlelit dinner

can be the key to unlocking you beloved's heart. Valentine's

Day has a very special place in the world of courtship and woe to those

who mess it up!

We are introduced to this

ritual very early on when puppy love makes its first appearance and colorful

valentines are distributed among our young classmates. Picking the right

"Be Mine" for the right "True Love Always" is a delicate

process and over the years those early rehearsals for the real world can

come in handy.

For newlyweds and first dates,

there can never be too much romance. Flowers, candy, cards and champaign

are all appropriate, if not essential, in making the evening go smoothly.

If your other half works, a bouquet from FTD sitting on her desk is a

sure way to get the day off to a lovely start. Mylar balloons are fun,

but they tend to overwhelm the beauty of the sentiment. Dinner reservations

should be thought of well in advance because there will be some competition

out there, especially this year since the high holy day falls on a Saturday.

Try to get into a restaurant with a relaxed, cozy atmosphere as opposed

to Waffle House. And if you really want to bowl her over, have a nice

pair of earrings or necklace ready and waiting in your coat pocket.

Things can be a little different

for couples who have been together for a while, because even though it

may seem like old hat, that doesn't excuse forgetting the one day

when recent sins of the past can be erased with a little thoughtfulness.

More than any other gift for her at this time of year, thinking about

her likes and her needs is far more valuable than wilting flowers and

melting candy.

Jim Trippon, author of "How

Millionaires Stay Rich Forever" has another way of keeping the love

alive in a relationship. He says millionaires focus on gifts from the

heart and save their money for more practical needs. "Time, thoughtfulness

and real effort are appreciated way more than expensive gifts. Removing

money as a source of disagreements leads to a more intimate relationship."

Trippon says.

If you're a dog lover,

another way to show you care would be to attend the "Puppy Love"

Valentine's Dinner to benefit the Peachtree City Dog Park. The benefit

takes place tonight at 6:30 p.m. at Valentino's restaurant in Peachtree

City. The $25 per person dinner includes entree, salad, beverage and dessert.

Proceeds will help finance the construction of an off-leash park located

in the McIntosh Recreation Area off Kelly Drive. Seating for the dinner

is limited. Call for reservations at 770-843-6558 and visit www.ptcdogpark.com

for more information.

Another charity event on Feb.

14 that will benefit the Fayette Youth Protection Homes, Inc. is the Valentine

dinner, dance and silent auction being held at The Barn in Tyrone. A reception

at 6 p.m. will be followed by a catered dinner, the stand-up comedy of

Steve Geyer and dancing with music provided by The Partytime Band. In

addition, an ongoing silent auction of special Valentine gifts will add

to the Fayette Youth fund. The black tie optional affair is $150 per couple

and tax deductible. For reservations, volunteer opportunities or silent

auction donations, contact Sonja Strickland, Executive Director at 770-461-7020.

Whatever you decide to do,

just remember that St. Valentine, martyred in third century Rome defied

Emperor Claudius II by performing marriages in secret. The Emperor wanted

to keep young men from marrying so they could serve in his army. St. Valentine

was put to death for his actions. While he was waiting in his cell, he

fell in love with a young girl, possibly the jailers daughter. He wrote

her a letter before his death and signed it 'From Your Valentine'

and began a worldwide tradition with his selfless acts of courage.

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