When you’re “in like,” what are the rules of Valentine gifting?

No rules, says our elder, but she offers a few fun ideas just in case.

Dear EWC:

There’s this boy and we’ve been liking each other for a while. I guess you can say we’re in a “relationship”, but it’s not official official. For Valentine’s Day, he got me chocolates and flowers, but I didn’t get him anything, and I feel like he’s kind of sad that I didn’t. I still have time to get him something, but if it’s not perfect I feel like it will be SUPER awkward. What should I do??

JanLyn replies:

Although a gift is never mandatory, it sounds to me like you’ll feel better if you do get something for this boy. He has done a nice thing in getting chocolates and flowers for you. Of course, you don’t have to go that far. You don’t have to spend a lot of money.

Instead, think simple but try to get something he’d like. If he likes coffee drinks, a Starbucks gift card might be nice. If he has hobbies beyond using his phone for everything, consider something that fits into a hobby category. I’m just thinking out loud here. Suggestions depend so much on age, likes, locale, etc.

You say that you and he are in a relationship although it’s not official. That tells me you and he know you’re in a relationship, but others don’t. That shouldn’t stop you from giving him a nice gift. He does deserve some recognition of the holiday, don’t you think? He will be sad if you don’t do something. Like I said, it doesn’t need to be expensive, just something that says you recognize he’s special to you. I wish both of you a very nice Valentine’s Day.

Dating/Relationship
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