Valentine’s Day special

Business Protocol: Making Valentine’s Day special can boost image

Valentine’s Day is the ideal time to acknowledge those special people at home and at work. Handling the day correctly goes a long way to helping boost your image for months to come.

Whether you are enjoying special friendships at work, dating or already in love, knowing what women and men really want will ensure victory.

When it comes to Valentine’s Day, the rule is there are none — but there are some guidelines.
One reader said they send a flower arrangement every Valentine’s Day to the women in his office with a thoughtful note. That’s a professional touch. At work, you don’t want to risk offending anyone.

But this day is primarily for close relationships.

While Valentine’s Day may be high season for the jewelry industry, it is still the little things and loving thoughtfulness that say you care. The effort put forth is key. Women want to feel appreciated.
Try going out on a 
romantic date. It need not cost a fortune, but a special dinner out, or one at home, catering to her makes it all worthwhile.

Remember to give a card and avoid the pre-written cards. Write something personal and include a list of all those things for which you are grateful and write them in your own card.
What women don’t want are facials or wrinkle creams — even if they’re expensive.
Don’t assume a perfunctory gift, such as a box of chocolates or a bunch of flowers, will “do it.” Be creative.

And never give appliances. Home improvement is definitely not an aphrodisiac.
Men should be treated the same, but consider the night yours together. Give him something he wants, not something you want. While a practical sweater may be fine for any other occasion, it probably will not resonate on Valentine’s Day. Give him something that promotes togetherness, such as a romantic getaway.

Men like notes, cards, 
poems and flowers, too. Tell him why you love him. Men need to feel needed, and like to hear what it is about them you love. Remember, after a fine meal, everyone wants their egos fed.

And, even if you do not have a special someone in your life this Valentine’s Day, there are many special people in all of our lives who we might want to reach out to and wish a Happy Valentine’s Day. 

Happy Valentine’s Day, 
everyone.

Men spend more than women on Valentine's Day - TOI

Amid the growing craze for Valentine's Day celebrations, men end up spending more to pamper their loved one than women, reveals a survey.

Giftease.com, an Indian gifting portal conducted the online suvey with 3000 respondents across different age groups (18 to 45 years) from metropolitan cities to decode the country's passion for Valentine's Day, which falls on February 14.

The survey shines the light on the ideas, behaviour and gifting patterns that are expected this Valentine's Day.

Almost 68 per cent of respondents stated their intent to celebrate Valentine's Day in some manner, with 37 per cent planning time with their Valentine alone, 22 percent with their friends, and 8 percent looking forward to their first date this Valentine's.

While V-Day is seemingly more popular amongst women, the survey reveals that on an average, men plan to spend over Rs.740 on gifts which is higher than women who are looking at an average gift spend of Rs.670 this Valentine's.

Also, there's a large variation between the preferred gifts for men and women.

Most men plan to play safe with flowers (42 per cent) or chocolates (27 per cent) but a significant number (17 per cent) are getting more adventurous, and plan to gift something naughty.
The top three gifts in the women's list for their Valentines are gadgets (34 per cent), perfumes (19 per cent) or accessories (16 per cent). Interestingly, naughty gifts are still fairly low in the list of gifts to give, for women.

As many as 41 per cent of men, and 30 percent of women intend to send their V-Day gifts through online shopping sites or apps.

Whatever it may be, a Valentine 's Day gift is expected, with one in seven women saying they would even break their relationship if they do not receive a Valentine's gift this year, as per the survey.
Also, it is rather motivating for married women to note that 41 per cent of married men pre-plan for Valentine's Day as compared to 31 per cent unmarried men who prepare in advance for their girlfriends.

Ashish Chandani, chief operating officer and co-founder, Giftease.com, said Valentine's Day is among the largest peaks for the brand in terms of traffic and sales.

"ValentineaAs Day celebrations are no longer just a metro phenomenon, it has taken root even in the tier-II and tier-III towns. While flowers and chocolates have been all-time favourites, the largest growth is in the customised gifts and naughty gifts categories." 

Some other findings from the survey: 42 per cent females feel Valentine's is over-hyped, compared to 47 per cent males - but many will still celebrate; 15 percent respondents feel Valentine's should be a national holiday; and 29 per cent of men, and 31% of women, have changed their Valentine at least once in the last five years.