TEENAGER

Teenage lover – People call our relationship, ‘puppy love’. Do you know the difficulties which tag along with it? We cringe for money, punch guys, gets chased by dogs…. all for love. Friends are no longer our priority. Lying to our parents to meet our love, we give reasons like tutions or combine study to scoot from homes to malls or theaters. And we hostelers escape with the excuse ‘cousin’s birthday party’. Wearing helmets or burqas, we bypass the eyes of our relatives.

Gifts

Due to the turbulent nature of puppy love, it’s advisable to avoid breakable gifts. If you choose to take such risks, be prepared to have it flung at you in a fit of hysterics for a multitude of bizarre reasons. If you are a miser/scrooge,
always remember to remove price tags of cheap gifts.

Spot to celebrate

Your romantic route can be to a restaurant. Typically, a restaurant free from local insect and bacterial life is recommended. A private pool party with other lover couples would be the other fish to fry.

Etiquettes

When receiving a gift, always be grateful. There is no harm in saying ‘This was something I have been looking for since ages.’ It might fetch you an extra hug or more. You can always drop less subtle hints for gift ideas in the future.

Finance

If she has chosen the most expensive item on the menu, do not huff and puff, it is not attractive. And never count the number of zero’s in front of her. Man, that’s cheap.

Long distant relationships

Talk for hours over the phone with at least two recharge cards under your tear- soaked pillow. Be free, if not the warm weather could turn into showers. Guys! Don’t steam yourself in an uncomfortable outfit, and girls….picking up short skirts for the day, better have
stockings to avoid the unpleasantness of stickiness.

NEWLYWEDS

We really need not take pains to convey to the people around you that, ‘we are newlyweds’. Our face mirrors that we are on top of the world. And so are our gentle expressions to each other. You know right it’s a new start and we enjoy each other’s company ‘coochikooing’, whispering sweet nothings into each other’s ears. We know that the married middle-aged who no longer get to  experience this newness, envy us. They sarcastically refer to our bond as ‘peak of mushiness’. It’s a case of sour grapes.

Gifts
A tech-savvy couple could get an electronic couple T-shirt that features life bar of hearts.

Spot to celebrate
Living room with a valentine makeover, with perfumed candles and soft music would be a romantic one. Avoid going overboard though; you only want to ignite a fire in the heart, not the curtains.

Finance
Cash in your wallet is not going to multiply, so stop squeezing notes at the restaurant table.

Long distant relationships
A pleasant surprise by a quick visit would be a change for both. If not, shower each other with texts, calls or flowers.

Etiquettes
If your spouse is willing to spend, let them spoil you. Asking ‘Can we afford it spoils the spark. Ladies! You are sheep headed if you are about to say, ‘Mr. X is taking Mrs.X for a cruise.’

TEN YEARS OF MARRIAGE

With no excitements or mysteries left, at times life is depressing. If we take the ‘seven year itch’ test, the results might be hilarious with least pluses and more minus. ‘Marriage is all about adjustments’. In spite of the bickering or tiffs for no rhyme or reason, we still love each other. We often repeat the line, ‘Can’t take it anymore’, even if we don’t mean what we say. Knowing that it is just a passing phase before we celebrate our 11th wedding anniversary, we move on.

Gifts
Even though they have been grumbling about losing weight or how they think you need to make some changes as a couple, do not even think about buying weight reduction packages or self-help book on relationships. It might taint the mood of the evening.

Spot to celebrate
Go out for a movie or a candle lit dinner in a restaurant facing each other. Take the opportunity to tell them why you love them, it may lead to you two feeling like the newly-weds.

Etiquettes
Ringing cellphones can be objects of stares and raised eyebrows.

Long distant relationshipsFinance
If it isn’t, go get tickets for two, to your favorite destination. Don’t be high-flow, as you still have your life ahead.

Make use of technology, have your webcam on to watch a favorite movie together.

TESTING WATERS AT THIRTY

Less sex, more fights, poor communication, rare outings. Shouldered with hell lot of issues and dilemmas, are you mourning ‘my best days are over and gone’. If you believe so, you are a loser. It’s all about ‘being young at heart’. This Valentine’s Day, instead of spying on your children, go out to get pampered with some rejuvenation therapies or with an appealing makeover. Revamp your wardrobe stored with cotton saris and formal shirts, with your spouse’s hot picks. And let the final preparation be to bite your tongue when negative emotions signal you.

Gifts
Be wise when picking gifts. If not they might look at it with an expression, ‘Oh! What was the need for you to get this for me’?

Spot to celebrate
A day at a spa, followed with some food, leisure and sun set by the sea side would be a great idea. Smile, as it’s time to flaunt your curves.

Etiquettes
No chewing with your mouth open or burping while on the table, its bad manners. Men! Planning to celebrate at a restaurant, hold the door and pull out a chair for her majesty.

Finance
Quite reasonable that you are cutting short expenses for your children’s marriage. But let spending on this day be not weighed as lavishes.

Long distant relationships
Minting money for your honey? People around will pity you for your pathetic living.