10 things not to do on Valentine's Day

Dubai. Stakes are high on Valentine's Day. Instead of playing the old French game of plucking off petal after petal from a daisy to find out whether he (or she) loves you, try something with less risk, more gain. Like make an attempt at being presentable - spiffy, charming, well-mannered, etc - to your Valentine. Perhaps even ensure that you avoid all risky, stupid moves that could potentially ruin the day. 

It is in this spirit that Gulf News spoke to Sahar Haffar Moussly, UK-certified Life Coach and NLP (Neuro-linguistic programming) practitioner, and proprietor of Harmony, a life and corporate coaching company in Dubai. She suggests a list of 10 things to refrain from on Valentine's Day. 

1. Being ordinary. It takes effort to be extraordinary. So take the trouble to be creative whether it is to do with choosing a gift or dinner venue.
2. Over spend. A lavish spend doesn't always translate as good taste. Further, splurging could cause debts.
3. Sport the same style of dressing. Unless you have impeccable everyday style, try to work harder at looking your best.
4. Compare gifts with those your friends got. Why? It's not a contest.
5. Complain or argue. It is a day to focus on the positive so celebrate each other's good qualities. An argument on this day won't be forgotten.
6. Set high expectations. Don't expect grand, unrealistic gestures of love; you will be setting yourself up for disappointment. If they do come your way, you will be pleasantly surprised.
7. Book a table in an overcrowded restaurant. Why not choose an off-beat, quiet dining outfit instead?
8.  Feel sorry for yourself because you don't have a partner. Use this day to connect with all your single friends and hang out in a group.
9. Occupy yourself with electronic devices or social networking sites. Not only does it covey that you are inconsiderate, it may be interpreted as ‘not interested'.
10. Go on a first date on the day. You might overlook qualities you don't like because you subconsciously wouldn't want to disappoint yourself on the day. Why take a chance?