So you’ve found your Miss Right, have you? Lucky you!
If you’ve been together for a while now, it might be time to take things a step forward to…duh! The Proposal!
While that might seem like the natural step forward, proposing sometimes can be really stressful. Having to make it original, special, memorable and romantic all at the same time is not really a mans’ forte, is it?

Since we believe Valentine’s Day is arguably the most romantic day to propose, we’ve decided to help you out with some unusual ideas you can use to propose to your sweetheart. Take a look:

1. There is little else that's as romantic as a candlelight dinner with champagne. You'll have to make prior arrangements for this one. Ask her out on a date, and make sure she knows its going to be a fancy one. Take her to a fancy restaurant and order a bottle of champagne. When the glasses arrive, her glass should have the ring floating at the bottom of it. That's your cue to get down on one knee and pop the question.

2. If your girl is old-fashioned, don’t approach her rightaway. Go to her father (or her mother if her dad’s a scary ogre) and ask if you may have thier daughter’s hand in marriage. Once you get the go-ahead from them, propose to your lady love in front of her family.

3. Organise a treasure hunt. Leave a note or message where she’s sure to get it, directing her to another place. Leave a clue there, which tells her where to go next. Make it a suspense-filled journey, and when she gets to the end, she should find you, her grand prize, on one knee with the ring.

4. Some people like to keep it private and romantic. Surprise her by inviting her over for a candlelight, home-cooked meal (it doesn’t matter how many cookbooks you need to go through- prepare the meal yourself.) When you prepare dessert, place it in a large plate, and write “Will you marry me?” in chocolate icing on the plate. After dinner, excuse yourself to go to the kitchen, bring the dessert plate and place it in front of her. Or alternatively, if you can pull it off, arrange for a firtune cookie at the end of the meal, wherein the firtune reads “Will you marry me?”

5. Wait for her to fall asleep and slip the ring on her finger. Watch her surprise when she wakes up.

Now that you’ve made her swoon, you can start the wedding preparations!
All the best!

Dating is a game, and you have to play your cards right. It doesn’t matter what cards you were dealt (well, not in the beginning anyway), but it does matter how you play them. Dating gaffes are so common that you might not even notice when you make one, but so deadly it could make that potential “The One” run a mile at the sight of you.

While we’re not suggesting you be someone you’re not, we do think a little caution is advisable.

Take a look at some of the gaffes that you should avoid at all costs here: http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art28165.asp

Valentines' Day is around the corner, heart-shaped decorations are wherever you look, love is in the air, but then so is the economic slump and your broken bank balance! Yes, we know you're probably sweating bullets right now, wondering what you can get your honey that wont burn a huge hole in your pocket.

Well, you can stop worrying rediff.com has scouted around to get you romantic gift options that cost either nothing or less than Rs. 500. So cheer up and prepare to enjoy the day without emptying your pockets.

A CD of romantic songs: Nothing sets the mood better than some romantic music. The gift shops are full of these right now, so go ahead and pick up a CD of love songs and watch your sweetheart melt when you play it.

Even better (and cheaper) if you choose the songs and burn the CD yourself.

Poetry: Have a creative bent of mind? Write a piece of poetry, dedicate it to your significant other and recite it to him/her on the big day. Trust us; they'll be swooning by the time you finish!

What's that? You're creative AND can play the guitar? Fantastic! Write her a song and serenade her under her balcony. Not a penny spent and a bagful of brownie points to your name!

Love coupons: Feeling bold? Well, Valentines' Day is the best time to let your sweetheart know that! Make out love coupons that can be exchanged for whatever affectionate gestures you choose to print on them. For instance, a back rub, a bubble bath or a kiss are all great options for love coupons.

Scented candles: Romantic, sexy and perfect for setting the mood, these make great gifts for V-Day. Watch her take a deep breath of the heavenly aroma before she lights them. Throw in a bubble bath and a bottle of wine, and who knows what things could lead to…

Jewellery: Always a great favorite, and it doesn't have to be too expensive. Small silver pieces are quite affordable, and so is costume jewellery. Pick up a pretty pendant or bracelet for a romantic Valentines' Day gift.

Books: While this may not seem like the most romantic idea for a Valentines' Day gift, it depends largely on your partner's personality. If they are bookworms, they're sure to appreciate another paperback to add to their collection. But make sure you know what kind of books your honey likes. There's no point gifting a thriller to someone who enjoys romances.

Coffee mugs: These make for great gifts and won't have you dipping too deep into your pockets either. Gift stores like "Archies" carry a wide variety with quotes and graphics on them. Some stores also offer you the option of choosing your own quote that they will put on a plain mug for you.

Soft Toys: A gift item that never goes out of style! And they are available in various sizes and price ranges, to suit all budgets. Buy her a cuddley she can snuggle up to all those nights when you aren't there.

A photo frame: Buy a romantic heart-shaped photo frame, and slip in a picture of the two of you. Wrap it up and present it to your darling on V-Day.

Flowers and chocolates: If all else fails, you can fall back on the typical Valentines' Day gift safety net. Buy her a bunch of red roses and a box of yummy chocolates that you can share. Enjoy the day!

• According to the condom company Durex, condom sales are highest around Valentine’s Day, which are 20 percent to 30 percent higher than usual.

• More at-home pregnancy tests are sold in March than in any other month.

• Penicillin, a popular treatment for venereal diseases such as syphilis, was introduced to the world on February 14, 1929.

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