What was the most romantic Valentine’s Day you’ve ever had?
"One time he cooked me dinner..."
- Allie, 20, dating for 4 years
“When we were very young we went to Naples and stayed on the water. That’s when I was a romantic.”
- Tony, 57, married for 37 years
"We were young and had no money. I had to work as a waitress and had to serve all of these people romantic Valentine's Day meals. He took my car, had it washed and put flowers and candy in it, then surprised me at work. We ended up going to McDonald's or something. It was so romantic."
- Marianne, 48, married for 23 years
“We didn’t have money so he gave me something for a few dollars. It was a beautiful musical box that was shaped like a piano. It was very romantic.”
- Melva, 73, married for 53 years
“*laughs* Nothing, he never did things like that! Lie and put anything that comes to your mind because he never did anything like that.”
- Lilia, 85, married for 50 years
What is your ideal Valentine’s Day gift?
"A day-long date. A whole day where we just go to the beach just us two. Starting off with brunch, then spa day, then some dinner. Just a whole day."
- Alyssa, 27 married for 3 years
"I would just want to stay home. Eat a nice dinner. That's it."
- Bryan, 28, married to Alyssa for 3 years
"I would want to go somewhere rather than get something. I think it would be cute if he would set up a scavenger hunt of all of my favorite places. But no guy would ever do that."
- Allie
What gift advice do you have for Valentine's Day?
“The best present would be to bring the girl flowers and take her to a nice restaurant for dinner.”
- Jose, 73, married for 53 years
“I would like some flowers or some chocolates. But don’t talk to me about taking me for dinner. I hate that. I get dinner all the time. Maybe we can go on a cruise or go to a pizza place. You know go on a trip somewhere. That’s a nice present.”
- Lilia
“Hm, let me see, I’m very romantic. I would love to go to a nice restaurant or even at the house with nice music. And maybe flowers. And that’s it. Tell her she looks beautiful, even if it’s a lie. Just tell her.”
- Melva
"Find out what she likes. Where does she like to go to dinner? Not just the typical flowers and candy crap.”
- Tony
"It doesn't have to be expensive. If it's thoughtful that all that matters."
- Marianne
Do you have any relationship advice?
"Don't get lazy. Don't assume that because it's been 20 years that the little acts of kindness don't matter anymore."
- Allie
“If you get a man who doesn’t believe in Valentine’s, Christmas, or your birthday, you are never going to get a present. You need to get a man who likes that stuff.”
- Lilia
"I don't have any real advice. Every relationship is different so you just gotta wing it. I guess just don't yell back. Let her yell at you and then she stops and feels bad."
- Bryan
"Communicate. Be honest. And be their best friend."
- Alyssa
"Just be yourself because if you just try to please them than it won't work out because eventually your true self will come through. Keep a sense of humor. I always remember being told, everyday let go of three things that you can't stand about them. Like something annoying they do. Just let go of it."
- Marianne
“Always, always tell him the truth and he has to tell you the truth. Because for me that’s the best part. Even if you don’t like it or he doesn’t like it, you always tell him anything. Respect each other. That is very important. Everyone has different opinions but if you love each other you have to respect each other. The truth is if you fall in love and want to be with someone, even if they have a different religion or something, if you love each other you can make it. Believe me.”
- Melva
What do you think a boy should get a girl for Valentine's Day?
"Uh, flowers from Publix! And a balloon! And if you really like her, Disney infinity video games."
- Barrington, 8, dating for 3 days