After much pondering, I realized that the perfect Valentine's Day is one that consists of doing the things you and your loved one enjoy doing.

We often put so much time and effort into a day like this one, that we end up being disappointed or spending so much money that our budget is shot for the next two weeks. This is the time to do something you really enjoy, whether it's spending the evening at home and eating in or going to a restaurant.

Are you going out? Choose the restaurant because of its ambiance and good food, not because your friend went and returned saying that it was the new "in spot."

If you are staying in make sure you have all of the essentials you need. For me this would include rented movies or something from my own collection. You can rent the movie you wanted to see last year but did not. If you are looking for Valentine's Day movies Pretty Woman starring Julia Roberts and Richard Gere, immediately comes to mind but there are two romantic comedy's from the 1960's that are just perfect for this day. They are Barefoot In The Park and Sunday In New York; coincidentally Jane Fonda has the starring role in both movies. They are so wonderfully innocent, and Sunday In New York shows New York sites that are long since gone. However these are 'chick flicks' so choose something you both enjoy. Men get special points if they watch these movies. My friend once received mucho points for watching The Women; a 1930's black and white film with nary a male in sight. I received nothing because I fell asleep during the movie Dune with an amazing array of stars including Sting.

Your staying in dinner need not be spectacular just special for the two of you. Be comfortable your food, stew or ordering in can be perfect when you are with the right person. If you cook, make something simple like baked chicken with wild rice (Uncle Ben's is just fine) and steamed green beans. Serve sliced tomatoes and cucumbers as a side dish. Pound cake and vanilla ice cream make a nice simple dessert. A little chocolate sauce couldn't hurt.

These are my ideas but you get the picture. The thing to remember is this - special time means not taking telephone calls from long-winded friends or dashing out to see Moe's new car. If this is to be your time, make it so and enjoy your day or evening.