Dating Expert Offers Tips to Avoid Clichés Without Breaking the Bank

Flowers, chocolates, dinner and jewelry! A “romantic” Valentine’s Day or a month’s rent? With the economy in the toilet, it’s hard to justify spending $400 on one cliché-filled night, especially when almost 50 percent of girls said they aren’t expecting much this Valentine’s Day . Dark Temptation, the new chocolate-inspired fragrance from AXE, a leader in men’s grooming, partnered with dating and relationship expert Amy Spencer to help guys buck tradition and think outside the heart-shaped box.

Instead of: Expensive dinner on the town Why don’t you… tailgate for breakfast. Valentine’s Day falls on a Saturday this year, providing an additional nine hours of free time to impress your lady love. Start her day with a surprise of pancakes – heart shaped if you’d like – and her favorite “non-fat, no-foam” latte. Or, add a surprise by moving the coffee maker and toaster into the bedroom so she can watch and smell her breakfast being made.

Instead of: Red roses (worse yet, delivered to her office) costing upwards of $100 Why don’t you… have something else delivered. Roses and carnations are no good. Think of something unique and unexpected like peonies or hibiscus – large, bold, tropical flowers of the same color are your best bet. Or, call a local grocery store and request a special delivery of your girlfriend’s favorite treats. Think childhood favorites such as sugar cookies, orange soda and candy.

Instead of: Heart-shaped box of chocolates Why don’t you… become as irresistible as chocolate. A box of chocolates is boring, but chocolate itself is still irresistible. In fact, one survey found that 70 percent of women around the globe ranked chocolate as more irresistible than shopping, jewelry or even sex . Find new ways to indulge your girl’s love of chocolate: pick up some salted caramel chocolates (the hot new trend in sweets) from your local chocolaterie and wear AXE Dark Temptation, the new chocolate-inspired fragrance, for dessert. You’ll satisfy her appetite and her desire!

Instead of: Fancy (and often stuffy) five-star restaurant Why don’t you… go somewhere unexpected. One study showed that women transfer the feelings they have about a room to their feelings about the people they’re with. Take her to a stuffy restaurant and she’ll think you’re stuffy. Instead, try a local tapas joint or an Indian restaurant. Picking an ethnic food will make you seem daring and adventurous. Tapas are great because of the smaller plate sizes, which are usually cheaper than full entrées. Or, add an aspect to the date that jumpstarts her heart rate, like a scary movie, and she’ll relate the butterfly feelings to you.

Instead of: Jewelry Why don’t you… add something personal. Sixty-two percent of girls said they’re expecting their boyfriends to spend less than $30 this Valentine’s Day. Instead of wasting money on expensive jewelry, give a gift with a personal touch for 20 bucks or less, such as the newly-released DVD she’s wanted to see or the best-selling book you heard her talking about. She’ll be thrilled with her gift and you’ll get bonus points for remembering.