Be Mine? Don’t Stress Out Over Valentine’s Day - Here’s Just What Cupid Ordered For Your Sweetie

Wed., Feb. 7, 1996

Noreana Emery-Cloy North Central

It’s that time of year again. Thoughts of love and romance fill the air. Pink and red hearts decorate everything from schools to grocery stories to office buildings.

And frantic guys fill various establishments looking for the perfect gift for their sweethearts. Millions of flowers, stuffed animals, bits of candy and pieces of jewelry are sold in a vain attempt to either catch or keep the girl of your dreams.

But do you know what she really wants for Valentine’s Day?

I’m here to help. I conducted an informal survey of girls at my high school to give area guys an idea of what truly impresses on this important holiday, and what truly depresses.

Here’s good news. The traditional gifts of roses and jewelry topped a high school girl’s wish list. But among the controversial answers were chocolate and stuffed animals. There’s a bit of disagreement on those items.

“No chocolate,” NC junior Shannon Nelson says firmly. “It makes you fat.”

But others still hope for the five-pound box of sweets to be among their gifts. As far as the stuffed animals go, some girls said a bear sprayed with a guy’s cologne would be super-romantic, while others insisted the time for toys is long past.

Other items listed were a fish tank, a personalized card from Hallmark, a sweat shirt, perfume and car seat covers. Music was also a big vote getter, whether it’s a CD with “your” song on it, or a tape of mushy love songs made just for her.

As far as dates are concerned, the winner by far was dinner and a movie. However, there were variations. Some opted for a dressy, candlelight dinner followed by a trip to the theater, while others suggested McDonald’s and a rented movie. Names like Red Robin, the Onion and the Olive Garden, as well as the regular fast food joints, came up frequently.

All of those asked agreed on one thing: The gift or date isn’t nearly as important as the person it comes from. Just be sure you don’t let the occasion pass without some kind of notice.

MEMO: This sidebar appeared with the story: SEND A MESSAGE Looking for a unique way to ask someone to be your Valentine? Our Generation presents its first-ever Love Lines - a way for teens to send a short message to a friend, boy friend or girl friend - or someone you hope to fit into one of those categories soon! It’s easy and free. Just call The Spokesman-Review’s Cityline at 458-8800 in Spokane or 765-8811 in Coeur d’Alene. Enter category 9894 (you need a touch-tone phone) and leave a short message for your V-tine. You’ll only have 60 seconds, so be precise. And you must leave your name and phone number; we’ll be calling back to verify the call. The Love Lines will run Feb. 14 on Page 2 of Our Generation. Calls will be taken through today and Thursday only.

This sidebar appeared with the story: SEND A MESSAGE Looking for a unique way to ask someone to be your Valentine? Our Generation presents its first-ever Love Lines - a way for teens to send a short message to a friend, boy friend or girl friend - or someone you hope to fit into one of those categories soon! It’s easy and free. Just call The Spokesman-Review’s Cityline at 458-8800 in Spokane or 765-8811 in Coeur d’Alene. Enter category 9894 (you need a touch-tone phone) and leave a short message for your V-tine. You’ll only have 60 seconds, so be precise. And you must leave your name and phone number; we’ll be calling back to verify the call. The Love Lines will run Feb. 14 on Page 2 of Our Generation. Calls will be taken through today and Thursday only.